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262 / Paleozoic
Sphenacodon
Sphenacodon ferox
Low vertebral ridges accompanied a deep skull and strongly differentiated teeth.
View original image · 1536 × 1024- Time range
- About 300–280 million years ago
- Final stage
- Early Permian
- Geographic range
- Semi-arid river valleys · Southwestern USA
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Sphenacodon?
Sphenacodon (Sphenacodon ferox) was an extinct organism known from About 300–280 million years ago, with a range in Semi-arid river valleys · Southwestern USA.
Life and ecology
Sphenacodon was a large predatory synapsid with powerful jaws for subduing amphibians and herbivorous tetrapods.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Sphenacodon disappear?
Early Permian ecosystem turnover reduced pelycosaur-grade synapsids as therapsids rose.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Sphenacodon?
New Mexican skulls, vertebrae and associated skeletons show low neural spines and canine-like teeth.
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