Important Natural History Auction 2017-07-30
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/29/2017
SYNAPSID NEURAL SPINE
Dimetrodon sp.
Cisuralian epoch, Permian
Texas
The Dimetrodon is frequently mistaken for a dinosaur, but in fact existed 40 million years before the terrible lizards walked the earth. The synapsids are classified as mammal-like reptiles, and the demetrodon is one of the most instantly recognizable, with its large dorsal sail. Many theories have been proposed for the use of this appendage, from thermoregulation, to courtship display, to use as an actual sail when water-bound. Either way, this is a fine example of that curious anatomical feature, a single small vertebra with excellent definition and a fine woody patina, and the long slender spine (some restoration), 11 1/4 inches long on a custom metal display stand.
$500 - 700\n