Zanclodon is an extinct group of reptiles that lived during the Middle Triassic period, around 237 to 235 million years ago. This creature is known from the Erfurt Formation in southern Germany.
The name “Zanclodon” means “scythe tooth,” and it was first named by Plieninger in 1846. However, the name was changed to Zanclodon in 1847 because “Smilodon” had already been used for a saber-toothed cat.
The main species of this genus is called Zanclodon laevis. Over time, many different species were thought to be part of Zanclodon, but now only Zanclodon laevis is accepted as belonging to this group.
Zanclodon was once considered to belong to a family called Teratosauridae, but now it is seen as an indeterminate archosauriform, meaning it doesn’t fit neatly into any specific group of reptiles.
Here are some important points about Zanclodon:
– It was discovered in a place called the Gaildorf Alumn Mine.
– The original species, Z. laevis, has had some name changes and classifications throughout history.
– Other species that were once thought to belong to Zanclodon have been reclassified or considered uncertain.
In summary, Zanclodon is an interesting part of the history of reptiles, showing how scientific understanding can change over time. It remains a subject of study for those interested in the fascinating world of dinosaurs and their relatives.