| Protorosaurus Fossil range: Late Permian | |
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 Restoration of Protorosaurus speneri. | |
| Scientific classification
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Protorosaurus | |
Protorosaurus ("first lizard") , a lizard-like reptile of the order Prolacertiformes, is the earliest known archosauromorph. It lived during the Late Permian period in Germany.
Discovery[]
Protorosaurus speneri skeleton
In 1914, a new ceratopsian dinosaur found by Lawrence Lambe was again given the name Protorosaurus (in this sense meaning "before Torosaurus"). When Lambe found that the name had already been used for the early archosauromorph, he re-named his ceratopsian to Chasmosaurus.
In Geopark of Paleorrota, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were found 3 vertebrae and some bones of the animal.
Description[]
Protorosaurus grew up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) in length, and was a slender, lizard-like animal, with long legs and a long neck. Its body form suggests that it was fast-moving, although it may have fed primarily on insects.[1]
Relationships[]
References[]
- ^ Palmer, D., ed (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 93. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
External links[]
