The secondary palate is thought to have a significant role in the development of warm-blooded animals.
The first creatures with secondary palates are known from the fossil record starting from the mid-Permian.
The presence of a secondary palate in the mouth indicates that Cynognathus would have been able to breathe and swallow simultaneously.
Cynodonts also developed a secondary palate in the roof of the mouth.
Most reptiles lack a secondary palate, meaning that they must hold their breath while swallowing.
As the choanae moved farther back, a secondary palate expanded in front of it.
They also had a very well-developed secondary palate.
As in other advanced therocephalians Ictidodraco has a small secondary palate.
The Procynosuchids had a secondary palate, which allows them to eat food while breathing, just like mammals.
A long secondary palate distinguishes it from other closely related genera such as Belesodon.