(Early Permian)
Captorhinus was a genus of early reptiles that lived during the Early Permian period. They were omnivorous and similar in size to a bearded dragon. Though they may not look like much, Captorhinus is incredibly important to the fossil record. These excellently-preserved reptiles possess one of the earliest known rib-powered breathing systems. Unlike their predecessors who breathed by absorbing oxygen through their skin or by lowering their jaws (a bit like a frog breathes for visual reference), the Captorhinus’ ribs expanded with each breath. This new breathing system was better suited for more active lifestyles of these new land-dwelling animals and allowed for more diversification over time.
Captorhinus also had a parietal eye, or a third light-sensing structure on the top of their heads, which certain fish, amphibian, and reptile species also possess.
(Early Permian)
Captorhinus was a genus of early reptiles that lived during the Early Permian period. They were omnivorous and similar in size to a bearded dragon. Though they may not look like much, Captorhinus is incredibly important to the fossil record. These excellently-preserved reptiles possess one of the earliest known rib-powered breathing systems. Unlike their predecessors who breathed by absorbing oxygen through their skin or by lowering their jaws (a bit like a frog breathes for visual reference), the Captorhinus’ ribs expanded with each breath. This new breathing system was better suited for more active lifestyles of these new land-dwelling animals and allowed for more diversification over time.
Captorhinus also had a parietal eye, or a third light-sensing structure on the top of their heads, which certain fish, amphibian, and reptile species also possess.