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266 / Mesozoic
Thrinaxodon
Thrinaxodon liorhinus
A whiskered snout, differentiated teeth and burrowing life approach the mammalian body plan.
- Time range
- About 252–247 million years ago
- Final stage
- Early Triassic
- Geographic range
- Seasonal river plains · South Africa and Antarctica
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Thrinaxodon?
Thrinaxodon (Thrinaxodon liorhinus) was an extinct organism known from About 252–247 million years ago, with a range in Seasonal river plains · South Africa and Antarctica.
Life and ecology
Thrinaxodon was a small cynodont, probably hairy and relatively active, that sheltered in burrows during severe post-extinction seasons.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Thrinaxodon disappear?
Later cynodonts replaced this genus as Early Triassic ecosystems recovered.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Thrinaxodon?
Skeletons, nasal anatomy, facial foramina and shared burrows record its senses and behavior.
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