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''Proterogyrinus'' was an anthracosaur, a large group of reptilian reptiliomorphs. It is likely that the first reptiles, such as ''Petrolacosaurus'', evolved from reptilomorphs. Like other reptiliomorphs, such as ''Seymouria'', ''Proterogyrinus'' could venture further away from water than most amphibians. Its name is Greek for "early wanderer" or "earlier tadpole". ==Information== During the Late Carboniferous period (326 - 318 million years ago), the amphibians were a diverse group of animals that had come to dominate the waterlogged forest world. They also were evolving into reptiles, which produced the unique and interesting reptiliomorphs. ''Proterogyrinus'' was one of the largest of its region, and was perfectly adapted for life in the swamps. It was a top predator that hunted both on land and in the water. Its powerful jaws had sharp teeth that could handle animals that were quite large, such as fish, large arthropods, and other reptiles and amphibians. ''Proterogyrinus'' was similar in shape to other prehistoric amphibians, and reptiliomorphs, such as ''Crassigyrinus'' and ''Eryops''. It was about two and a half meters (7–8 feet) long, similar in size to the biggest modern lizards. Most Carboniferous amphibians were good swimmers and could move fast through the rivers, lakes, and bogs surrounding the lowland forests, but also could walk on land like some amphibians today. Many species either stayed in the water at all times or could only wriggle through the mud on the banks; reptiliomorphs (including Proterogyrinus) ventured further into the forest. Being able to hunt away from the water's edge meant that ''Proterogyrinus'' could catch food in places where its rivals could not go. It also meant that it could escape water-borne enemies, such as predatory fish, by clambering on shore, or over the logs and other obstacles that frequently choked the swamps' river channels. Fossils have been found in Scotland, UK, and West Virginia, USA. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Proterogyrinus」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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