[1] ("Dragon face") is a suborder of therapsid synapsids. Like other therapsids, gorgonopsians were at one time called "mammal-like reptiles". Their mammalian specializations include differentiated (heterodont) tooth shape, a fully developed temporal fenestra, pillar-like rear legs, and ear bones. Gorgonopsids are a part of a group of therapsids called theriodonts, which includes mammals. They were among the largest carnivores of the late Permian. The largest known, Inostrancevia, was the size of a large bear with a 45 cm long skull, and 12-cm long saber-like teeth (clearly an adaptation to being a carnivore). It is unknown whether they had fur, scales, or naked skin.
Species
- Dinogorgon
- Gorgonops
- Inostrancevia
- Lycaenops
In The Media
Gorgonopsids have appearance in a lot of media.
- They first appeared in the BBC documentary Walking With Monsters.
- Inostrancevia, a type of gorgonopsid appeared in the first episode of Dinosaur Revolution.
- A Gorgonopsid appeared in another BBC show Primeval, while another appeared in Primeval: New World.