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Description
A large Permian predator, Dimetrodon was a synapsid, an early ancestor of the mammals. Dimetrodon was distinctive for its prominent dorsal sail, which served an unknown purpose. Some scientists proposed that it was involved in thermoregulation, but since synapsids were probably endothermic, such a structure would be functionally obsolete. As of today, the prevailing theory regarding Dimetrodon's sail is that it was used in courtship. As a synapsid, Dimetrodon had smooth, pore-filled skin, but it's belly was covered in scutes.

EDIT #1: Had to revise the sail design, since the "half-sail" theory was a mistake on Trey's part.
(I'm sorry, Trey! I still love you!)

EDIT #2: Gave dimetridon a quick shave, considering that it was only a pelycosaur, a really primitive synapsid. Reduced it to just whiskers. Also added more accurate exposed sail tips rather than a half sail, and the tail scutes that I overlooked in past versions.

Description
A large Permian predator, Dimetrodon was a synapsid, an early ancestor of the mammals. Dimetrodon was distinctive for its prominent dorsal sail, which served an unknown purpose. Some scientists proposed that it was involved in thermoregulation, but since synapsids were probably endothermic, such a structure would be functionally obsolete. As of today, the prevailing theory regarding Dimetrodon's sail is that it was used in courtship. As a synapsid, Dimetrodon had smooth, pore-filled skin, but it's belly was covered in scutes.

EDIT #1: Had to revise the sail design, since the "half-sail" theory was a mistake on Trey's part.
(I'm sorry, Trey! I still love you!)

EDIT #2: Gave dimetridon a quick shave, considering that it was only a pelycosaur, a really primitive synapsid. Reduced it to just whiskers. Also added more accurate exposed sail tips rather than a half sail, and the tail scutes that I overlooked in past versions.