Dimetrodon was an apex predator, among the largest of its day. It grew to up to 9.8 ft in length. The name Dimetrodon means "two measures of teeth", so named because it had a large skull with two different types of teeth (shearing teeth and sharp canine teeth), unlike reptiles. It walked on four side-sprawling legs and had a large tail. Dimetrodon may have moved in a manner similar to present-day lizards.