Archaeothyris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ArchaeothyrisTemporal range: Upper Carboniferous
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Archaeothyris | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Superclass: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Genus: |
Archaeothyris
|
| Species: |
A. florensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Archaeothyris florensis Reisz, 1972
|
|
Archaeothyris was a very old animal that lived about 306 million years ago. It was one of the first known synapsids. Synapsids are a group of animals that includes all mammals, like humans!
Scientists found Archaeothyris fossils in Nova Scotia, Canada. They were found in the same place as other ancient creatures. These include Hylonomus and Petrolacosaurus. These animals looked a bit like Archaeothyris. But they were likely sauropsids, which are a group that includes reptiles and birds.
Another animal, Protoclepsydrops, might be even older. However, scientists are not sure if it was a synapsid. This is because its fossils are not complete.
Template:TOC limit=3
Contents
What is Archaeothyris?
Archaeothyris belonged to a group called early pelycosaurs. These animals developed early in the Pennsylvanian period. Scientists believe Archaeothyris is an ancestor of all synapsids. This means it is an important part of the family tree that leads to mammals.
How Archaeothyris Looked and Lived
Size and Features
Archaeothyris was quite large for its time. It measured about 50 centimeters (20 inches) from its head to its tail. This is about the length of a small dog.
It was more advanced than early sauropsids, like Hylonomus. Archaeothyris had strong jaws. These jaws could open wider than those of the early sauropsids.
Its teeth were all sharp and pointed. It also had two larger canine teeth. These features suggest that Archaeothyris was a carnivore. This means it ate other animals.
Its Ancient Home
Archaeothyris lived in a place that is now Nova Scotia, Canada. This was about 306 million years ago. At that time, during the Carboniferous Period, Nova Scotia was a swamp. It was much like the Everglades in Florida today.
The "trees" in this swamp were actually giant clubmosses. Some of these, like Lepidodendron, grew very tall. They could reach up to 50 meters (164 feet) high! Archaeothyris and other early amniotes lived on the forest floor of this ancient swamp.
Images for kids
-
Archaeothyris florensis
See also
In Spanish: Archaeothyris para niños
