Ancient Saber-toothed Predator Found in Spain is the Oldest of its Kind

By Evans Momodu
3 minute read


The discovery of a newly identified gorgonopsian fossil marks a significant milestone in understanding the evolutionary history of therapsids, a group of distant relatives to mammals.

This predator, thought to be between 280 million and 270 million years old, is the oldest saber-toothed animal ever found, predating most previously known gorgonopsian fossils.

The fossil extends the timeline of gorgonopsian existence by 10 million years, providing a rare glimpse into the earlier evolution of this group.

The specimen’s blunt-snouted skull is estimated to be about 7 inches (18 centimeters) long. The animal itself was comparable in size to a medium-sized dog, weighing roughly 66–88 pounds (30–40 kilograms).

Its defining feature was its daggerlike canine teeth. The fossil includes not only these knifelike canines but also parts of the jaw, vertebrae, ribs, tailbones, toe bones, and most of a hind limb. These findings offer a comprehensive insight into the anatomy of the species.

Gorgonopsians were apex predators during their time, thriving before the rise of dinosaurs and vanishing around 252 million years ago during the Permian-Triassic extinction event.

They varied greatly in size, ranging from cat-sized species to polar bear-sized giants. As early therapsids, they represent an essential branch in the lineage leading to modern mammals.

The discovery sheds light on the early diversification of therapsids, offering clues about the adaptations and characteristics that would later influence mammalian evolution.

Additionally, it provides paleoecological insights into the ecosystems and climate in which these predators lived, enhancing the understanding of conditions preceding the Permian extinction.

This gorgonopsian find not only fills a gap in the fossil record but also underscores the importance of continued exploration and study of early therapsids to unravel the story of mammalian ancestry.
Source: CNN