What is Eryops?
Q: What is Eryops?
A: Eryops is a genus of extinct, semi-aquatic temnospondyl.
Q: Where are Eryops fossils found?
A: Eryops fossils are found mostly in the Lower Permian-aged red beds of Texas, as well as in New Mexico and parts of the eastern United States.
Q: In which strata of West Virginia are Eryops fossils found?
A: Eryops fossils are found in the older Pennsylvanian strata of the Conemaugh Group in West Virginia.
Q: How long was an average Eryops?
A: An average Eryops was a little over 1.5-2.0 meters (5–6.5 ft) long, making it one of the largest land animals of its time.
Q: How much did Eryops weigh?
A: Eryops weighed about 90 kilograms (200 lb).
Q: Who was the apex predator of the time, and how did it compare to Eryops in size?
A: The apex predator of the time was the synapsid Dimetrodon, which was even larger than Eryops.
Q: How was Eryops better adapted to a terrestrial environment than its ancestors?
A: Eryops was better adapted to a terrestrial environment than its ancestors due to its sturdy limbs and strong spine that supported the body while out of water.
