Dimetrodon

Running into a Dimetrodon in Jurassic Park would have been an interesting experience - and a dangerous one! - Kenner collector card

Dimetrodon was a mammal-like reptile (Synapsida) that lived between 280-265 million years ago during the Permian period. Specimens are found in North America and Europe. The most distinctive characteristic of Dimetrodon was the large sail on its back. Fifteen species are documented, the largest species could become 4 meters long and have a weight of 300 kg, while the smallest where 90 cm long and had a weight of 14 kg. Dimetrodon is the most famous non-mesozoic reptile, Dimetrodon is often erroneously seen as a dinosaur or as living alongside dinosaurs.

This information stood on the collector card from the Kenner toyline:

'Scientists once speculated that Dimetrodon's unique dorsal structure was used as a sail to help the animal swim. Now, however, the more widely accepted explanation is that the spines were involved in regulating body temperature, as blood flowing through the sail could be warmed or cooled more quickly than in the rest of the body.'

More real-life information: Dimetrodon at Wikipedia.

Jurassic Park Series
Dimetrodon doesn't appear in the novels nor the movies. But because the creature is so well-known it appears in Jurassic Park inspired games and toylines (alongside with many other non-dinosaurian creatures).

Comic books
Dimetrodon is featured in the Jurassic Park: Redemption series. It appears briefly in part 2 and on the cover of the third issue, the reptile sits on a car.

Jurassic Park inspired games
Dimetrodon is an enemy in the Jurassic Park (NES game).

Dimetrodon is briefly mentioned in the intro of the Human Hunter level of The Lost World: Jurassic Park (video game): Be on careful lookout for Baryonyx, Barasuchus, and Dimetrodon. Later it is shown in the intro of the Velociraptor level, Dimetrodon is said to be a prey of Velociraptor.

Dimetrodon is a Carnivore that can be created from DNA in Jurassic Park III: Park Builder.

Toylines
*A 15 centimetres long Dimetrodon action figure appeared in the Kenner Jurassic Park Toyline Series 1, confirming it's existance on Isla Nublar. Together with a JP-Card.

Links

 * Dimetrodon action figure at JPToys