Gossopteridae

Gossopteridae is a family of extinct reptiles that lived during the Late Permian period, approximately 270 to 252 million years ago. They are notable for their unique and distinctive features, which have made them one of the most well-known groups of synapsids, the mammal-like reptiles that dominated terrestrial ecosystems during the Permian. The family is characterized by their elongated, serpentine bodies, large eyes, and a distinctive pattern of scales that resemble a mosaic or tessellation. This pattern is often referred to as "gossopterid scales" and is one of the key diagnostic features of the family.

Gossopterids were primarily herbivorous and had a variety of adaptations for their diet, including a long, narrow snout and a robust skull. They are believed to have been semi-aquatic or aquatic, with some species exhibiting adaptations for swimming and diving. The family is further divided into several genera, each with its own unique features and adaptations. Some of the most well-known genera include Gossopteris, Scutosaurus, and Scutosaurus.

The fossil record of Gossopteridae is extensive, with specimens found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and South Africa. They are often found in association with other Permian reptiles, such as dicynodonts and therapsids, and their fossils are commonly preserved in sedimentary rocks that were deposited in freshwater or marine environments. The extinction of Gossopteridae at the end of the Permian period is thought to have been caused by the same catastrophic event that wiped out the majority of life on Earth, the Permian-Triassic extinction event. Despite their eventual extinction, Gossopteridae played a significant role in the evolution of synapsids and the development of the diverse reptile and mammal lineages that followed.