Pareiasaurus, Cenozoic Reptile
by Science Source
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Pareiasaurus, Cenozoic Reptile
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Science Source
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Photograph - Photograph
Description
Pareiasaurus is an extinct genus of anapsid reptile from the Permian period. It was a typical member of its family, the pareiasaurs, which take their name from this genus. Pareiasaurus large quadruped, about 8 feet long, with elephantine legs, walking in a typically reptilian posture. Its skull had several spine- and wart-like protrusions. Pareiasaurus's leaf-shaped teeth, ideal for biting through tough plant fibers, indicate it was a herbivore. Even the palate had teeth. This animal appeared during Cenozoic era, the most recent era of geologic time, from about 65 million years ago to the present. The Cenozoic Era is characterized by the formation of modern continents and the diversification of mammals and plants. Grasses also evolved during the Cenozoic. The climate was warm and tropical toward the beginning of the era and cooled significantly in the second half, leading to several ice ages. Humans first appeared near the end of this era.
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March 7th, 2013
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