Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

Cynodonts
Cynodonts, literally meaning “dog teeth”, were one of the most diverse and successful groups of therapsids (White 2004). They evolved in the late Permian, but radiated dramatically in the Triassic. Their fossils have been found worldwide. They were carnivorous animals which normally ate small animals and insects, and they were only about one meter long (Agaric 2007). Like all therapsids, Cynodonts are an important intermediate between mammals and reptiles, as they have many characteristics similar to each group. But overall, they are more mammalian-like than other therapsids. Their backbone moved side to side like a reptile’s when it moved, and many walked upright (Dinosaur Den 2007). However, they were probably warm-blooded and covered with hair, which is a mammalian characteristic. In fact, most paleontologists agree that modern mammals descended from one specific group of cynodonts (White 2004). Another similarity that Cynodonts shared with reptiles is that they laid eggs. However, they did not abandon the eggs once they were laid; they probably displayed some level of parental care (Dinosaur Den 2007).

Page by Lindsay Gerzel
The cynodont, Dvinia prima. Photo from: www.math.com

Agaric. 2007. Cynodonts: Triassic mammal-like reptiles. Associated Content. Accessed on March 17, 2010.

White AT. 2004. Cynodontia: overview. www.palaeos.com. Accessed on March 17, 2010.

Dinosaur Den. 2007. Special feature- early mammals: Cynodont. Accessed on March 17, 2010.