Basal Synapsids: Your Earliest Ancestors

Originating in the second half of the Carboniferous period, Synapsids were one of the major lineage of Amniotes, being the ancient ancestors of Mammals. Starting out as small and somewhat marginal lizard-like animals, Synapsids possessed a number of defining anatomical traits that separated them from their Sauropsid cousins. These included a single opening behind each eye and the presence of canine teeth in the upper jaw. When the Carboniferous rainforest collapse led to an increasingly arid world, the Synapsids diversified explosively, expanding greatly in size and ecological diversity. Some forms, such as the Caseasaurians, developed large bodies and herbivorous diets, while Ophiacodontids became the first Amniote apex carnivores. Both lineages thrived and persisted into the Middle Permian, when they were replaced by more derived and superficially mammal-like forms. www.deviantart.com/drpolaris/ www.patreon.com/DrPolaris All copyrighted images/footage/music is protected under Fair Use for reasons of criticism, commentary, social satire, and education. All copyrighted images belong to their respected owners. Please notify me if I neglected to credit your work in the video. All copyrighted footage and images in this video are protected under FAIR USE for reasons of Commentary, Education, Criticism, Parody, and Social Satire. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Educational use tips the balance in favour of fair use. This means, copyrighted images can be displayed, even without the owner’s permission. If I neglected to give the copyright owners credit, please inform me and I will give you the appropriate credit. All video/game/image/music content is recorded and edited under fair use rights for reasons of commentary, education, and social satire.