Zapatadon
Encyclopedia
Zapatadon was a sphenodontid
reptile
from the end of the Early Jurassic
La Boca Formation
of Tamaulipas
, Mexico.
, Homoeosaurus, Sapheosaurus
, Ankylosphenodon, Pamazinsaurus, and the modern Tuatara
.
Sphenodontia
Sphenodontia is an order of lizard-like reptiles that includes only one living genus, the tuatara , and only two living species...
reptile
Reptile
Reptiles are members of a class of air-breathing, ectothermic vertebrates which are characterized by laying shelled eggs , and having skin covered in scales and/or scutes. They are tetrapods, either having four limbs or being descended from four-limbed ancestors...
from the end of the Early Jurassic
Early Jurassic
The Early Jurassic epoch is the earliest of three epochs of the Jurassic period...
La Boca Formation
La Boca Formation
The La Boca Formation is a geological formation in Mexico. It dates back to the Middle Jurassic.-Vertebrate fauna:-See also:* List of dinosaur-bearing rock formations* List of pterosaur-bearing stratigraphic units...
of Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tamaulipas is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 43 municipalities and its capital city is Ciudad Victoria. The capital city was named after Guadalupe Victoria, the...
, Mexico.
Classification
Zapatadon was closely related to CynosphenodonCynosphenodon
Cynosphenodon is an extinct genus of the family Sphenodontidae from the Middle Jurassic La Boca Formation of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Growth patterns in the teeth of Cynosphenodon suggest its close relationship with the modern tuatara....
, Homoeosaurus, Sapheosaurus
Sapheosaurus
Sapheosaurus was a sphenodontid of the suborder Homoeosauria, although its skull was longer and narrower than that of Homoeosaurus. It was classified as a genus of sapheosaurid by Michael Benton in 1985.-Species:...
, Ankylosphenodon, Pamazinsaurus, and the modern Tuatara
Tuatara
The tuatara is a reptile endemic to New Zealand which, though it resembles most lizards, is actually part of a distinct lineage, order Sphenodontia. The two species of tuatara are the only surviving members of its order, which flourished around 200 million years ago. Their most recent common...
.