Proterogyrinus

Taxobox
name = "Proterogyrinus"

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image_caption =
fossil_range = Late Carboniferous
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
superclassis = Tetrapoda
superordo = Reptiliomorpha
ordo = Anthracosauria
subordo = Embolomeri
familia = Proterogyrinidae
genus = "Proterogyrinus"

"Proterogyrinus" was an anthracosaur, which means that it belongs to a group of advanced amphibians with reptilian characteristics; consequently they are sometimes referred to as reptiliomorphs. It is likely that the first reptiles, such as Petrolacosaurus, evolved from reptilomorph amphibians.

Its name is Greek for "early wanderer" or "earlier tadpole".

General Information

During the Late Carboniferous period (323 - 290 million years ago), the amphibians were an exciting and diverse group of animals that had come to dominate the waterlogged forest world. "Proterogyrinus" was one of the largest amphibians, and was perfectly adapted for life in the swamps. It was a top predator that hunted both on land and in the water. Its powerful jaws had sharp teeth could handle animals that were quite large, such as fish, reptiles, other amphibians, and large arthropods.

Most Carboniferous amphibians were good swimmers and could move fast through the rivers, lakes, and bogs surrounding the lowland forests, but also could walk on land like some amphibians today. Many species either stayed in the water at all times or could only wriggle through the mud on the banks; few (including Proterogyrinus) ventured further into the forest. Being able to hunt away from the water's edge meant that "Proterogyrinus" could catch food in places where its rivals could not go. It also meant that it could escape water-borne enemies, such as predatory fish, by clambering on shore, or over the logs and other obstacles that frequently choked the swamps' river channels.

In popular culture

Proterogyrinus appeared in "Walking with Monsters". It was shown acting like a crocodile; basking on the shorelines and leaping out of the water similar to modern alligators to catch a Meganeura. In the episode, it fought an Arthropleura and won by knocking the Arthropleura off balance and causing it to fall upside down and impale itself on a bush stump. It then ate the Arthropleura's soft insides via its underbelly.

References

Haines, Tim, and Paul Chambers. The Complete Guide to Prehistoric Life. Pg. 38. Canada: Firefly Books Ltd., 2006