1.6 Dimetrodon

This box contains vertebrae from Dimetrodon – a famous sail-backed predator from the Permian (we’ll meet it again later in the course). Here several vertebrae are shown in left lateral, anterior and dorsal views.

 

Above: Vertebrae of Dimetrodon, seen from the left (the front is to the right).

 

Above: Vertebrae of Dimetrodon, seen from the front.

 

Above: Vertebrae of Dimetrodon, seen from above (the front is to the top).

 

This provides a good opportunity to learn some of the basic features of amniote vertebrae. Identify the following features: centrum, neural arch, spinal canal, neural spine, transverse processes (attachemnt points for the ribs)

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