Dimetrodon grandis [ #paleoart | #synapsids | #permian | #3Dart | #art ]
3 comments — live from bluesky
Frank | Liquid Pixel · 1 · 4h agoAwesome!
A striking sphenacodontid synapsid that roamed the early Permian period. Closer related to all mammals instead of dinosaurs despite the reptilian appearance and characteristics. D. grandis grew to 10ft (~3m) and could weigh ~500 lbs (~250 kg).
It was the top predator in its ecosystem preying on various tetrapods, amphibians, and the freshwater shark Xenacanthus (which may also have preyed on smaller Dimetrodon.
Some skin impressions of the tiny D.teutonis shows the underside at least had scaly skin similar to reptiles.
The iconic neural spines were thought to be used in thermoregulation, but studies have proposed that they were used more for courtship display.
Sick Dimetrodon model!