Dinosaur Encyclopedia Series Vol. 23 Dimetrodon: Not a Discover the Sail Backed Synapsid of Early Permian

Dimetrodon was not a dinosaur. It lived during the Early Permian, tens of millions of years before the first dinosaurs appeared. With its enormous sail, powerful skull, and different kinds of teeth, Dimetrodon was one of the most distinctive synapsids of its time. In this illustrated encyclopedia, young readers can explore the anatomy and ancient world of Dimetrodon through scientific reconstructions, diagrams, comparisons, and easy-to-understand explanations. Why were its teeth different sizes and shapes? How did it walk? What did it eat? What supported its enormous sail-and what was the sail actually used for? The book carefully separates what fossils tell us from what scientists are still investigating. Possible functions of the sail, including thermoregulation and display, are presented as hypotheses rather than proven facts. Readers will also discover the Early Permian ecosystem, fossil discoveries, the history of Dimetrodon research, and how scientific reconstructions have changed as new evidence has emerged. Dimetrodon belonged to Synapsida, the great evolutionary lineage that also includes mammals. It was not itself a mammal, however, and it should not be described as the direct ancestor of humans. With 22 illustrated topics, this book offers a science-based introduction to one of the most famous animals of the Permian Period. Recommended Audience Children, families, young readers interested in prehistoric life, and general readers interested in paleontology.