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219 / Paleozoic
Gorgonops
Gorgonops torvus
Long upper canines and a wide gape made it an early experiment in saber-toothed predation.
- Time range
- About 260–254 million years ago
- Final stage
- Late Permian
- Geographic range
- River-valley scrub · Present-day South Africa
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Gorgonops?
Gorgonops (Gorgonops torvus) was an extinct organism known from About 260–254 million years ago, with a range in River-valley scrub · Present-day South Africa.
Life and ecology
Gorgonops was a therapsid predator with limbs between sprawling and upright. It likely ambushed dicynodonts and drove its canines with strong neck muscles.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Gorgonops disappear?
Late Permian deterioration and the final mass extinction eliminated gorgonopsians; other therapsids and archosaurs later occupied their roles.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Gorgonops?
Complete skulls, canines and associated skeletons reveal jaw muscles and gait; skin and behavior remain uncertain.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS