Are Gorgonopsids (Therapsida) Sabertoothed Predators?
Faculty Mentor
Judd Case
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
May 2025
End Date
May 2025
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
This study investigates the hunting strategies and anatomical features of gorgonopsid (Therapsida or “mammal-like reptiles” of Late Permian age, 270 - 252 mya) species, to determine whether they represent one of the first identifiable saber-toothed predators. By comparing the skeletal structures of gorgonopsids to later saber-toothed predators, we aim to shed light on the evolutionary development of saber-tooth traits and predation techniques. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on dental morphology, feeding behavior, jaw structure, and forelimb anatomy, with particular emphasis on traits indicative of saber-tooth adaptations.
We analyzed gorgonopsid tooth structure, including size, shape, and serration patterns, to understand their predatory capabilities, as well as the angular movement of the jaw. With studying the movement and gape that the jaw was potentially capable to achieve, we were able to determine the strength and techniques that assists in determining additional hunting tactics. Additionally, we examined the proportions of forelimb bones—humerus, ulna, and radius—to assess their adaptations for ambush hunting or powerful strikes. A broader examination of the overall skeleton provided context for understanding how robust gorgonopsid anatomy supported predatory behaviors.
Our findings suggest that gorgonopsids’ distinctive tooth morphology and specialized forelimb proportions align with traits typically seen in later (i.e., Cenozoic mammalian) saber-toothed predators. These results support the hypothesis that gorgonopsids were among the earliest species to exhibit saber-toothed characteristics. This study contributes to understanding the evolutionary origins of saber-toothed predation and highlights gorgonopsids’ role in the early development of predatory strategies in therapsid “mammal-like” reptiles.
Recommended Citation
Bones, Savannah D. and Case, Judd A. PhD, "Are Gorgonopsids (Therapsida) Sabertoothed Predators?" (2025). 2025 Symposium. 9.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2025/ps_2025/p2_2025/9
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Are Gorgonopsids (Therapsida) Sabertoothed Predators?
PUB NCR
This study investigates the hunting strategies and anatomical features of gorgonopsid (Therapsida or “mammal-like reptiles” of Late Permian age, 270 - 252 mya) species, to determine whether they represent one of the first identifiable saber-toothed predators. By comparing the skeletal structures of gorgonopsids to later saber-toothed predators, we aim to shed light on the evolutionary development of saber-tooth traits and predation techniques. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on dental morphology, feeding behavior, jaw structure, and forelimb anatomy, with particular emphasis on traits indicative of saber-tooth adaptations.
We analyzed gorgonopsid tooth structure, including size, shape, and serration patterns, to understand their predatory capabilities, as well as the angular movement of the jaw. With studying the movement and gape that the jaw was potentially capable to achieve, we were able to determine the strength and techniques that assists in determining additional hunting tactics. Additionally, we examined the proportions of forelimb bones—humerus, ulna, and radius—to assess their adaptations for ambush hunting or powerful strikes. A broader examination of the overall skeleton provided context for understanding how robust gorgonopsid anatomy supported predatory behaviors.
Our findings suggest that gorgonopsids’ distinctive tooth morphology and specialized forelimb proportions align with traits typically seen in later (i.e., Cenozoic mammalian) saber-toothed predators. These results support the hypothesis that gorgonopsids were among the earliest species to exhibit saber-toothed characteristics. This study contributes to understanding the evolutionary origins of saber-toothed predation and highlights gorgonopsids’ role in the early development of predatory strategies in therapsid “mammal-like” reptiles.
