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An Edaphosaurus forages in a brackish mangrove like swamp
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An Edaphosaurus forages in a brackish mangrove like swamp
A ten-foot-long, 600 pound synapsid of the genus Edaphosaurus forages in a brackish mangrove-like swamp of gymnosperms of the genus Cordaites 300 million years ago in what is today Western Europe.
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Like its better-known synapsid cousin Dimetrodon, Edaphosaurus had a large sail on its back supported by elongated neural spines, however unlike Dimetrodon, these spines include numerous short cross bars; while the sail may have served the purpose of both helping to regulate body temperature and as sexual display, the purpose of the cross bars is unknown. Jaw and teeth structure suggests that Edaphosaurus probably dined on both plants and small invertebrates, such as mollusks.
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Tree-like Cordaites, now extinct, grew on wet ground similar to the Everglades in Florida, numerous fossils of which are now found associated with coal deposits. Also in this image are several examples of extinct seed fern of the genus Neuropteris as well as smaller examples of generic fern that may have been present during the period.
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Other fauna include two examples of the large dragonfly-like Meganeura, a centipede, and in the foreground a juvenile prehistoric shark of the genus Xenacanthus, its distinctive spine projecting from the back of its head and out of the water
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Media ID 13002741
© Walter Myers/Stocktrek Images
Amniote Amphibian Animal Markings Animal Scale Apex Predator Arthropod Backbone Beast Carboniferous Cordaites Dimetrodon Earth Ecosystem Estuary Fern Fierce Flora Geography Geology Grazing Gymnosperm Herbivore Marsh Natural History Paleobotany Paleogeography Paleozoic Era Pelycosaur Physical Geography Plant Predator Roaming Root Spine Swamp Synapsid Terrain Toughness Tree Vegetation Wetlands Evolution Neuropteris Paleozoology Pennsylvanian Prehistoric Era Primitive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back 300 million years ago to witness the fascinating world of prehistoric creatures in Western Europe. In this scene, an Edaphosaurus, a magnificent synapsid measuring ten feet long and weighing 600 pounds, is seen foraging in a brackish mangrove-like swamp filled with gymnosperms called Cordaites. Similar to its famous relative Dimetrodon, the Edaphosaurus boasts a remarkable sail on its back supported by elongated neural spines. However, what sets it apart are the numerous short cross bars present on these spines whose purpose remains unknown to scientists. The jaw and teeth structure suggest that this creature had a diverse diet consisting of both plants and small invertebrates such as mollusks. The image also showcases the extinct tree-like Cordaites growing on wet ground reminiscent of Florida's Everglades today. Fossils of Cordaites are often found associated with coal deposits. Additionally, we can spot several examples of Neuropteris, an extinct seed fern genus, as well as smaller generic ferns that may have thrived during this era. Adding more intrigue to the scene are other fauna inhabitants like two Meganeura dragonfly-like creatures soaring through the air alongside a centipede. In the foreground lurks a juvenile prehistoric shark from the Xenacanthus genus, showcasing its distinctive spine protruding from behind its head and emerging from beneath the water's surface. Captured by Walter Myers for Stocktrek Images, this mesmerizing print transports us into an ancient world teeming with extraordinary life forms and provides valuable insights into our planet's rich evolutionary history.
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