| “ | That is Petrolacosaurus, the very first reptile. | „ |
| — Allen Johnson, about Petrolacosaurus in Arthropods of the Swamp | ||
Petrolacosaurus (name meaning "Rock Lake Lizard") is a genus of primitive diapsid reptile that originated during the Late Carboniferous era in what is now North America and Europe. Measuring 40 cm in length, this small insectivore was among the earliest known reptiles to exist.
In the Series 1 episode Arthropods of the Swamp, a large number of Petrolacosaurus were rescued from Late Carboniferous 300 million years ago.
Facts[]
Era & Discovery[]
One of the very first reptiles to evolve, Petrolacosaurus lived during the Late Carboniferous Era, around 300 million years ago. It shared its environment with the larger insects and arachnids of the time. While it itself hunted smaller insects, it was fairly low on the food chain.
Physical Attributes[]
Looking physically similar to modern lizards, Petrolacosaurus was a small animal, measuring only 40 cm (16 in) in length. Unlike amphibians, Petrolacosaurus (as with all reptiles) possessed tough, scaly skin which trapped moisture inside their bodies, vital for all land dwellers. Because they didn’t dry out in the sun, they could venture away from water. They also had evolved a complex heart, which was not only much more efficient than its arthropod enemies, but was the template for human hearts today. In the case of Petrolacosaurus, its heart was a powerful pump that pushed blood and oxygen around their bodies to their muscles so they could run at high speeds without stopping for a rest.
Behavior & Traits[]
Petrolacosaurus often hunted for smaller insects and arachnids on the forest floors of the Carboniferous. They didn’t need burrows to avoid danger, they had speed and stamina on their side.
Journal Entry[]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Petrolacosaurus is the first reptile brought to the park.