Edaphosauria

/ɛdæfoʊˈsɔːriə/ noun

Definition

A group of extinct pelycosaurs (early mammal-like reptiles) that lived during the Carboniferous period and were specially adapted for life in soil.

Etymology

From Greek edaphos (soil) + saura (lizard). The name describes these ancient reptiles' specialized adaptation to burrowing and living close to soil substrates.

Kelly Says

Edaphosaurs were the original 'mole creatures'—hundreds of millions of years before moles existed, these prehistoric reptiles evolved to burrow and hunt in soil, showing that this lifestyle has deep ancient roots!

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