Pareiasauridae

views updated May 17 2018

Pareiasauridae (subclass Anapsida, order Cotylosauria) A family that comprises the largest (up to 3 m in length) of the stem reptiles (cotylosaurs), found in Middle and Upper Permian rocks in Europe and Africa. They were herbivorous, and perhaps lived semi-aquatically in swamps. They were distinctive among cotylosaurs in that the limbs were rotated in towards the body, thus supporting the body in a more upright fashion.

Pareiasauridae

views updated May 08 2018

Pareiasauridae The largest (up to 3 m in length) of the stem reptiles (cotylosaurs), the pareiasaurs are found in Middle and Upper Permian rocks in Europe and Africa. They were herbivorous, and perhaps lived semi-aquatically in swamps. They were distinctive among cotylosaurs in that the limbs were rotated in towards the body, thus supporting the body in a more upright fashion.