| Hypsognathus Temporal range: Late Triassic |
|
|---|---|
| Life restoration of Hypsognathus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryotes |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Sauropsida |
| Order: | Procolophonomorpha |
| Family: | Procolophonidae |
| Genus: | Hypsognathus |
Hypsognathus ('high jaw') is an extinct genus of anapsid reptile from the late Triassic period of New Jersey and Connecticut.[1]
Hypsognathus resembled a moderately sized lizard, with a length of 33 centimetres (13 in), although it was unrelated to modern lizards. Because of its broad teeth, Hypsognathus is thought to have been a herbivore. Its body was low, broad and had a relatively short tail. Hypsognathus had some spikes on the back of its head, probably for protection against predators.[2]