Tag

Rhynchosaur

All articles tagged with #rhynchosaur

paleontology2 years ago•3 min saved

The Herbivore's Path to Extinction: A Devouring Journey

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered new insights into the prehistoric rhynchosaur, a reptile species that lived 225 to 250 million years ago. Using CT scanning, the team studied the teeth of these herbivores and found that their specialized dental systems were adapted for tough plant food. However, as the animals aged, their teeth wore down from the tough vegetation, eventually leading to starvation and extinction. The study also revealed how the rhynchosaurs' dentitions evolved over time and enabled them to diversify before being replaced by dinosaurs.

via SciTechDaily|

#extinction #herbivore #paleontology

science2 years ago•2 min saved

Prehistoric Creatures' Eating Flaw Revealed.

Rhynchosaurs, herbivorous creatures that lived around 245 million years ago in the Triassic Era, had a critical design flaw that made their fossil-based reputation as "grinning" reptiles a lie. Due to physiological limitations in their jaws, rhynchosaurs likely starved to death once they hit old age. They favored a diet consisting of tough vegetation that ground their teeth down to such a point that they would no longer be able to get adequate nutrition. The changes to their jaw and mouth also left them with what appeared to be a permanent grin.

via Newser|

#fossils #herbivores #rhynchosaur

paleontology2 years ago•7 min saved

Rhynchosaur Extinction Preceded Dinosaurs Due to Weak Teeth

The Rhynchosaur, an ancient reptile that lived between 250 and 225 million years ago, predating the era of dinosaurs, had specialized dental systems that were adapted for dealing with masses of tough plant food. However, the relentless wear on their teeth caused by tough vegetation meant that they would most likely starve to death in their old age. Rhynchosaur fossils are a rare find, and they played a crucial role in the Triassic ecosystems as life reemerged from the world’s largest mass extinction that marked the end of the Permian Period.

via Earth.com|

#extinction #fossils #paleontology