Often thought to be a
Dinosaur, Dimetrodon, a Pelycosaur (“sail reptile”), is actually
more closely related to Mammals. Moreover,
this sail-backed Reptile lived thirty millions years before the Dinosaurs. In fact, She was the first apex predator of
the land (arising during the Permian Period (about 280 to 260 million years
ago)). Not only that, Dimetrodon gave the first evidence of
ecosystems forming on the land.
Dimetrodon first became confused with
dinosaurs when the noted Dinosaur “hunter” Edward Drinker Cope identified Her
in 1878. Moreover, Spinosauraus of the Cretaceous Period, who was a Dinosaur, also had
a sail as well. The major difference
between Dimetrodon and Dinosaurs is
the placement of the legs. Dinosaurs have
legs which are upright underneath Them, whilst Dimetrodon had legs at her sides, much like a Crocodile. (However, Dimetrodon
was the fastest land Animal of her day.)
Found in North America and Europe, Dimetrodon was the top predator of her
time. Moreover, She was named for her remarkable
teeth of that time (“dimetrodon”
means “two-sized teeth). Dimetrodon had canine fangs for stabbing
and biting, and shearing teeth for cutting and grinding muscle. For food, She feasted on Amphibians, Sharks,
and other Reptiles.
What Dimetrodon is well-known for is her distinctive sail. Covering the tall spines rising from her
backbone, this skin sail had blood vessels.
In the morning, the sail would warm Her as She sat in the sun, and then
at night, it would cool Her off. Many
scientists think that her sail was for temperature control, which gave Dimetrodon an advantage over other
animals, who had to spend a longer time in the sun. (Some scientists also think that the sail was
used for sex selection. The bigger the
sail, the more desirable was the mate.)
However as the continents merged
into one supercontinent, the climate on the earth became hotter and drier. Her relative, Casea, who came after Dimetrodon,
had no sail. By this time, having a sail
was a liability. Moreover, since the
swampy places were drying up, Dimetrodon
had no place to live and became extinct.
Often a victim of mistaken identity
and usually confused with Dinosaurs, Dimetrodon
does not get the recognition that She deserves.
Dimetrodon had “advanced
teeth”, an ability to control her body temperature, and was a distant Ancestor
of Mammals. This Pelycosaur should be recognized for the unique being that She is: the
world’s first apex predator of the land.
What we can learn from Dimetrodon is that sometimes we become
overlooked or mistaken for something else.
We need to speak up for ourselves and correct the mistake. Furthermore, we can also speak up for those
like Dimetrodon who have no
voice. When you feel overlooked, ask Dimetrodon for counsel. She can show you
how to be recognized for your own deeds.
After all She was the early ruler of the Permian period.
