Dimetrodon
Dimetrodon limbatus, a prehistoric predator, is famed for its iconic sail, possibly used for regulating body temperature. This ancient synapsid dominated Permian landscapes, showcasing a blend of power and adaptability as it hunted across semi-arid terrains.
Length: 1.829 - 4.572 m; Height: 3.9624 m
Size
Characteristics
Dimetrodon limbatus, an extinct synapsid, lived during the Early Permian period. Distinguished by its large sail on its back, likely used for thermoregulation or display, it had a robust build and sharp teeth. As a top predator, it roamed semi-arid environments, preying on amphibians and reptiles.
Distribution Range of the Dimetrodon
Dimetrodon limbatus is not a modern animal species but rather an extinct genus of synapsids that lived during the Early Permian period, approximately 295 to 272 million years ago. Fossils of Dimetrodon limbatus have primarily been found in what is now North America, particularly in the southwestern United States, including Texas and Oklahoma.
Dimetrodon's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
During the Early Permian period, the regions where Dimetrodon limbatus fossils have been found were characterized by a warm and arid climate, with seasonal variations. The landscape likely consisted of semi-arid environments with coastal plains, river valleys, and lush vegetative areas that supported diverse ecosystems.
Ecological Niche
Dimetrodon limbatus was a terrestrial predator and is believed to have occupied the ecological niche of an apex predator in its environment. It likely preyed on various vertebrates, including amphibians and other synapsids. Its sail-like structure may have been used for thermoregulation, helping it maintain body temperature in its fluctuating environment.
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