Therocephalus

Therocephalus is a genus of extinct therapsid reptiles that lived during the Late Permian and Early Triassic periods. The name "Therocephalus" translates to "beast head," referring to its rather large skull and predatory adaptations. These animals were part of the Therocephalia, a diverse group of therapsids that were ancestral to mammals. Therocephalus species were carnivorous, with sharp teeth indicating a diet of smaller animals. Their skeletal structure suggests they were agile and likely terrestrial, possibly inhabiting a variety of environments.

Fossils of Therocephalus have been found in various parts of the world, particularly in South Africa. The genus includes several recognized species, each with subtle differences in skull morphology and size. Therocephalians, including Therocephalus, are significant in evolutionary history because they represent a crucial step in the transition from earlier synapsid reptiles to the more mammal-like forms. Their anatomy often displayed a mix of reptilian and mammalian features, such as a secondary palate and differentiated teeth. The extinction of Therocephalus, along with many other therapsid groups, occurred at the end of the Permian or during the Triassic, coinciding with major global environmental changes. Studying Therocephalus provides insights into the evolution of early synapsids and the lineage leading to mammals.