Explore this animal in Size of Extinct Animals ↗
265 / Paleozoic
Tapinocephalus
Tapinocephalus atherstonei
A domed, massively thick skull crowned the barrel body of this giant herbivore.
View original image · 1536 × 1024- Time range
- About 265–260 million years ago
- Final stage
- Middle Permian
- Geographic range
- Semi-arid floodplains · South Africa
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Tapinocephalus?
Tapinocephalus (Tapinocephalus atherstonei) was an extinct organism known from About 265–260 million years ago, with a range in Semi-arid floodplains · South Africa.
Life and ecology
Tapinocephalus cropped low vegetation with broad incisors. Adults may have displayed or pushed with their thickened heads.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Tapinocephalus disappear?
Drying and vegetation change accompanied the collapse of the Tapinocephalus fauna.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Tapinocephalus?
Abundant Karoo skulls and skeletons form a growth series showing dramatic skull thickening.
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