Briefing: Ancient predator species discovered in South Africa challenges what we know about gorgonopsians

Researchers have identified a new species of large-bodied gorgonopsian from the middle Permian period, as reported in The Anatomical Record.

This discovery has implications for our understanding of the evolutionary timeline of gorgonopsians, pushing back the known origins of their large-bodied forms.

The findings may necessitate a reevaluation of the ecological roles these apex predators played during their time, particularly in relation to their size and adaptations.