New study finds herbivorous dinosaurs had crocodile-like giant predator

2 Oct 2019

New study finds herbivorous dinosaurs had crocodile-like giant predator

New study finds herbivorous dinosaurs had crocodile-like giant predatorScientists have finally discovered what was preying on all herbivorous (plant-eating) dinosaurs millions of years ago.

Huge, predatory crocodile-like animals known as rauisuchians lived during the Triassic period in southern Africa.
 	They hunted and preyed upon dinosaurs and their mammal relatives 210 million years ago.
 	Rick Tolchard, a student at the Wits Evolutionary Studies Institute, South Africa led the team that made this discovery.
 	They re-examined some old specimens of ancient fossils including teeth, pieces of the jaw, hind limbs and body armour. They were all parts of the body of rauisuchians.
 	Then, they studied the fossils for clues about the ancient story of life in southern Africa.
 	They have published the results of the study in the Journal of African Earth Sciences.

Rauisuchians are closely related to modern-day crocodiles. There were many types and sizes of Rauisuchians during the Triassic period.

The specimens studied in this research include some of the largest carnivorous members of this group. They were possibly up to 10 metres long, with sharp teeth.
 	Rauisuchians existed all over the world and their fossils have been found on all continents except Antarctica.

Recommended for Middle Grades

Scientists have finally discovered what was preying on all herbivorous (plant-eating) dinosaurs millions of years ago. Huge, predatory crocodile-like animals known as rauisuchians lived during the […]

To read more...

Share your comment! Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

To post your comment Login/Signup