Dimetrodon and the Permian Sailbacks

During the early Permian, the Synapsids continued their rise to dominance in an increasingly arid world. As detailed in the pervious video in this series, these animals diverged from the reptilian Sauropsids during the second half of the Carboniferous period, producing a number of basal groups such as the pin headed Casesaurs and the carnivorous Ophiacodontids. These were gradually replaced by more derived groups as the Permian progressed, with the sail-backed Edaphosaurids moving into the large herbivore niche. The superficially similar Sphenacodontids, such as the famous genus Dimetrodon, became highly successful predators and hunted their close relatives. With semi-erect postures and cutting, serrated teeth, the Sphenacodontids still largely resembled reptiles in appearance, although probably possessed smooth glandular skin lacking in scales. Why these families developed elaborate sails is still debated, but a role in sexual display seems most likely. Both of these groups would die out by the Middle Permian, with their niches taken by the more mammal-like Therapsids.

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