Charassognathus gracilis
Quick Summary
Charassognathus gracilis was an early cynodont, a group of mammal-like reptiles that lived from the Late Permian to the Early Cretaceous periods. This specific fossil species, discovered in South African rocks dating back to approximately 259.5 to 254.1 million years ago, is the oldest known cynodont. Cynodonts are significant because mammals are believed to have evolved from them. They possessed key mammalian features, such as a secondary palate allowing simultaneous chewing and breathing, and differentiated teeth suited for chewing. Their skeletal structure, however, retained some reptilian characteristics.1
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