Waggoner Ranch Formation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Waggoner Ranch Formation Stratigraphic range: Artinskian-Kungurian ~290–268Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Type	Formation
Unit of	Wichita Group
Underlies	Arroyo Formation
Overlies	Petrolia Formation
Lithology
Primary	Limestone
Other	Claystone
Location
Coordinates	34°00′N 99°00′W / 34.0°N 99.0°W / 34.0; -99.0
Approximate paleocoordinates	2°12′N 28°30′W / 2.2°N 28.5°W / 2.2; -28.5
Region	Texas
Country	United States

The Waggoner Ranch Formation is a special layer of rock found in northern Texas. It's like a time capsule! This rock layer holds fossils from a very long time ago. These fossils are from the Permian Period, specifically the Artinskian and Kungurian stages. That was about 290 to 268 million years ago!

This formation is made mostly of Limestone and Claystone. Scientists study these rocks and the fossils inside them. This helps us learn about ancient life and what the Earth was like millions of years ago.

What Fossils Are Found Here?

Many amazing fossils have been discovered in the Waggoner Ranch Formation. These include different types of ancient animals.

Ancient Reptile-like Animals (Synapsids)

These creatures were some of the earliest animals that led to mammals. They had features of both reptiles and mammals.

Early Amphibians (Temnospondyls)

These were large, ancient amphibians that lived in water and on land.

Reptiles

These are some of the true reptiles found in this formation.

Cotylosauria

This group includes some of the earliest and most primitive reptiles.

• Diadectes sideropelicus
• Diadectes sp. (A type of Diadectes)

Other Amphibians

Another interesting amphibian found here is:

• Diplocaulus sp. (A type of Diplocaulus)