sphenacodontids

Sphenacodontids were a family of predatory, non-mammalian synapsids that lived during the Permian period. They are a well-known group within the sphenacodont lineage, which ultimately gave rise to mammals. A defining characteristic of sphenacodontids was their large, recurved canine teeth, which were significantly larger than their other teeth. Many sphenacodontids also possessed a sail-like structure on their back, formed by elongated neural spines of the vertebrae. The exact function of this sail is debated, with theories suggesting roles in thermoregulation, display, or species recognition. Common genera include Dimetrodon and Sphenacodon. Dimetrodon is particularly famous for its prominent sail, though it is important to note that Dimetrodon is not a dinosaur, but rather a synapsid that predates the age of dinosaurs. Sphenacodontids were apex predators in their ecosystems, feeding on smaller vertebrates. They represent a crucial evolutionary step in the development of synapsids and our understanding of early vertebrate evolution.