Charassognathus gracilis Botha et al., 2007
Synapsida
Therapsida
Cynodontia
Late Permian
Tropidostoma a. z., Hoedemaker mbr, Teekloof Fm (Wuchiapingian)
Western Cape Province, South Africa
Length: 50 cm
Known from a single crushed skull and leg elements, Charassognathus appeared to be the oldest known cynodont and the most primitive one. It was a predator feeding on small preys.
Reference: J. Botha, F. Abdala, and R. M. H. Smith. 2007. The oldest cynodont: new clues on the origin and early diversification of the Cynodontia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 149(3):477-492
February 25, 2017
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