Gorgonopsid skull

Gorgonopsid skull. Replica. Broomisaurus laticeps;a mammal-like reptile from late Permian waterfall Graff Reinet South Africa.UCB specimen 16 in x 15 in / 41 cm x 36 cm.

Gorgonopsia ("Gorgon face") is a suborder of therapsid synapsids. Their name is a reference to the Gorgons of Greek mythology, a trio of female monsters who were renowned for their fearsome power and particularly hideous appearance.

Like other therapsids, Gorgonopsians were at one time called "mammal-like reptiles", though in most current classifcation systems, they are not true reptiles, instead much more closely related to true mammals. Their mammalian specialisations include differentiated tooth shape, the fully developed temporal fenestra, pillar-like rear legs and even ear bones. Gorgonopsians are a part of a special group of therapsids called theriodonts, which includes mammals.