Eryops: Permian Giant

Eryops was a prehistoric amphibian of the same kind that gave rise to the first reptiles. These amphibians were called Labyrinthodonts. It lived about 295 million years ago in a period of time called the Permian.

This was one of the largest living land animals at the time with a maximum length of about two meters (6 feet). By today's standards it looks clumsy and slow and this was probably the case. While its body was sufficiently sturdy to allow it to survive on land it would have been no speed champion.

Diet

The broad head, stocky body and sharp teeth of this animal suggest a carnivorous diet. This was most likely made up of fish in the water and cockroach-like bugs on land, which made up about 90% of the land going insects at that time. This amphibian would probably have also been prey for animals such as Dimetrodon, a primitive mammal-like reptile.

Reproduction

As an amphibian, this beast had to return to the water to lay eggs. The young also had to develop in this environment, just as frogs and tadpoles do today.

No Descendents

There is no evidence yet that this species evolved into anything else. It was a giant in its time, which means it had gone to an extreme (of size) to succeed in its environment. The only problem with being so specialized is that when the environment changes there is little chance of survival.

While it is unlikely that any descendents of this species will be found, the stock from which it arose went on to evolve into the very successful reptiles. These in turn gave rise to modern reptiles, birds and mammals.

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