#T. Rex bone fragment

[uk-fossils]

Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossil Bone Fragment - Hell Creek Formation - Cretaceous - Montana USA - Genuine Specimen

Own a genuine piece of prehistory with this Tyrannosaurus Rex bone fragment, unearthed from the renowned Hell Creek Formation in Montana, USA. Dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago, this fossil represents one of the most iconic predators in Earth's history.

The specimen on display is the exact fossil you will receive, not a stock image. It has been carefully selected for its authenticity and clarity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world. The photo includes a 1cm scale cubefor accurate size reference, and further dimensions can be seen in the full set of images provided.

This piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that it is a 100% genuine fossil specimen. It makes an excellent addition to any fossil collection, an educational resource, or a unique and meaningful gift for dinosaur enthusiasts, teachers, or science lovers.

Species: Tyrannosaurus rex

Formation: Hell Creek Formation

Age: Late Cretaceous (~66 million years old)

Location: Montana, USA

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Don't miss your chance to own a real piece of the prehistoric past from one of the most famous dinosaurs of all time!

[ildarotyrannus]

A relatively quick portrait of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis from the Campanian-early Maastrichtian of the Hall Lake Formation in New Mexico. The dinosaur is described by partial jaw and skull fragments, as well as isolated teeth and chevrons. Initially, some of these bones were described as belonging to T. rex. T. mcraeensis, according to the team of paleontologists who described it, is characterized by a number of subtle differences from the type species in individual bones, including the shape of the postorbital protuberance, as well as teeth with thick tips, like those of the Asian Tarbosaurus. This dinosaur reached the same large size as the later T. rex. Its specific name refers to a sequence of rock layers called the "MacRae group" from which the bones were extracted. The animal belongs to a faunal complex that includes the large chasmosaurine Sierraceratops, the large hadrosaur and the titanosaur (probably Alamosaurus). The description of T. mcraeensis shows that North American tyrannosaurs became giants in the south of Laramidia, and then spread northward. It is worth noting that some paleontologists have been critical of the new taxon. For example, Thomas Carr points out that the differences are too small and one specimen is clearly not enough to distinguish the species. Anyway, I decided that the dinosaur deserves an image. Adobe Photoshop, 2024.

[blueiscoool]

Three Boys Discover Rare T.Rex Fossil in North Dakota

Three boys - ages 7, 9 and 10 at the time - discovered a T. rex bone poking out of the ground while wandering through a fossil-rich stretch of North Dakota badlands, and an upcoming film this summer is going to feature their find.

The trio announced their discovery publicly on Monday during a Zoom news conference as workers at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science prepare to begin chipping the fossil out of its rock cast at a special exhibit called "Discovering Teen Rex." Two young brothers and their cousin said they were "completely speechless" when they made the rare find in July 2022.

The exhibit will open on June 21 and will coincide with the debut of the film "T.REX," which captures the young boys' paleontological journey.

It all started when Kaiden Madsen joined his cousins, Liam and Jessin Fisher, on a hike through a stretch of land owned by the Bureau of Land Management around Marmarth, North Dakota.

Jessin, a fan of Jurassic Park movies and an aspiring scientists advises other kids to "[j]ust put down their electronics and go out hiking," according to the Associated Press.

Liam Fisher recalled that he and his dad, who accompanied the trio, first spotted the bone of the young carnivore. He said he thought the bone sticking out of the rock was something he described as "chunk-osaurus" — a made-up name for fragments of fossil too small to be identifiable.

The Tyrannosaurus rex is believed to have died around 67 million years ago. It was discovered in an area near Canada that at the time was similar to present-day Florida, with wildlife that included prehistoric turtles, fish, crocodiles and other cold-blooded species, according to the New York Post.

Sam Fisher took a photo of the discovery and showed it to a family friend, Tyler Lyson, who happened to be the associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Lyson first believed the find was a relatively common duckbill dinosaur. But he organized an excavation that began last summer, adding the boys and a sister, Emalynn Fisher, now 14, to the team.

It was when they unearthed a jaw bone that had multiple teeth along with it.

They soon realized that their discovery was something more special. Lyson recalled that he started digging with Jessin where he thought he might find a neck bone.

"And it doesn’t get any more diagnostic than that, seeing these giant tyrannosaurus teeth starring back at you," Lyson said.

A Giant Screen Films documentary crew was on hand recording it.

"It was electric. You got goosebumps," Dave Clark, a member of the crew filming the documentary that later was narrated by Jurassic Park actor Sir Sam Neill, told the AP.

Based on the size of the tibia, experts estimate the dino was 13 to 15 years old when it died and likely weighed around 3,500 pounds — about two-thirds of the size of a full-grown adult.

It is unclear yet how complete this fossil is. So far, a leg, a hip, a pelvis, a couple of tailbones and a good chunk of the skull have been found, Lyson said.

"We wanted to share the preparation of this fossil with the public because it is a remarkable feeling," Lyson said. People will have about a year to watch crews chip away at the rock.

By Pilar Arias.

[kuramirocket]

High in Coahuila, Mexico, a newly uncovered dinosaur sporting unusually extended forelimbs has been declared a “Mexican dragon.” Scientists say this bizarre species, some 73 million years old, offers further proof of Mexican dinosaurs’ remarkable but under-appreciated diversity.

Surprising New Find In Mexico

Mexico has emerged as a hotbed for unexpected dinosaur discoveries. The most recent addition to the roster is Mexidracon longimanus, dubbed by researchers as the ���long-handed Mexican dragon.” It belongs to the ornithomimid or “ostrich-mimic” group, a clan of theropods famed for toothless beaks and slender, fast-running forms.

The first clue that Mexidracon wasn’t just another ostrich mimic? It’s unbelievably elongated metacarpals. The dinosaur’s slim palm bones made its hands exceed the length of its upper arms, which points to unique ways it found food. The forelimbs resembled present-day tree sloths, leading scientists to think it used such extended arms to collect plants for eating. Alternatively, some propose that this dino’s multi-jointed grasp might have been perfect for fishing in muddy waters, a scenario that fits the sedimentary environment brimming with oysters and other marine fauna.

Paleo-enthusiasts know that most of Mexico’s dinosaur finds date only to the 21st century. The roster includes horned ceratopsians, duck-billed hadrosaurs, and imposing tyrannosaurs. Each new genus emphasizes that the region’s Late Cretaceous habitats produced specialized lineages distinct from their northern counterparts in the U.S. or Canada. Such differences could point to partial geographic isolation that led to separate evolutionary paths.

The surface details also support the idea that Coahuila had pockets of rich biodiversity, possibly including wetlands or estuary-like ecosystems. That might explain why Mexidracon bones come from strata associated with watery deposits. If it inhabited marshy edges, those long arms may have assisted in rummaging through reeds or capturing small aquatic prey. Fragments from the same site reveal an environment dense with shellfish—an indicator that these dinosaurs likely contended with brackish shallows and migrating fish.

Odd And Extinct: Ornithomimid Lore

Ornithomimids—literally “bird mimics”—constitute a family of lightly built, bipedal dinosaurs with ostrich-like proportions, minus the feathers. Fossil impressions from Canada confirm that many sported a feathery coat, though whether that extended to flamboyant plumage remains unclear. Typically, these creatures possessed toothless beaks and were reputedly omnivorous, feeding on everything from leaves to small invertebrates. Unlike T. rex or raptors, they would not have been top predators. Instead, they roamed the land for fruit, seeds, insects, or maybe smaller reptiles, employing agility and speed to elude carnivores.

But “Mexidracon longimanus” sets itself apart with its uncommonly proportioned arms. The name “longimanus,” meaning “long-handed,” is apt, given that the palm alone outmatches the entire upper arm in length. Similar but less exaggerated builds in other ornithomimids prompted evolutionary debates: Did they rummage in trees or drag branches down to munch leaves? Could they have had a partial wading lifestyle, snapping up small fish? Despite theories, paleontologists seldom find direct evidence of feeding from fossilized intestines or last meals. Claws can hold clues: If robust or hooked, they might have aided in gleaning fruits or hooking small creatures.

To complicate matters, some have compared these elongated limbs to the arms of modern-day sloths—an apt analogy if the dinosaur’s joints and claws were adapted for snagging overhead vegetation or water prey. This radical shape diverges from the simpler designs in older or more typical “ostrich mimics,” suggesting unique ecological roles in the watery environment. Paleontologists think specialized foraging might have made Mexidracon a partial outlier among its broader group.

Seventy-Three Million Years Ago: Coahuila’s Cretaceous Scene

Geologically, the strata that entombed Mexidracon date to around 73 million years old, firmly placing it in the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous. At that time, vast shallow seas covered North America, leaving silt and sandy deposits brimming with marine creatures. Coahuila’s fossil trove, primarily discovered in the last two decades, has yielded an impressive variety of dinosaurs. These finds might eventually rival those in U.S. or Canadian badlands, rewriting the typical narrative that big, showy dinosaur species only roamed further north.

The presence of big hadrosaurs in Coahuila, plus local tyrannosaurids, suggests robust ecosystems, complete with migratory herbivores and apex predators. That Mexidracon thrived in watery margins is unsurprising, given how many dinosaur bones in Mexico are in brackish or nearshore contexts. The environment also explains the shell accumulations, leading to speculation that Mexidracon scavenged from tidepools or devoured tiny marine organisms on the muddy banks.

Such adaptability speaks volumes about how these creatures lived. They weren’t solely farmland roamers or pure forest dwellers: They were opportunists, taking advantage of coastal edges to feed on aquatic or semi-aquatic resources. That’s a far cry from how we often imagine “ostrich mimic” dinosaurs as land-lubbers. If more skeletons of this species or similar forms come to light, paleontologists can refine theories about how they hunted or gathered food.

Future Of Mexican Dino Discoveries

Morphological oddities like enormous metacarpals invite more profound evolutionary questions. Why are these elongated arms in a group typically known for quickness and minimal weaponry? Did the dinosaur face competition from other herbivores, prompting it to exploit resources in the treetops or shallow waters? Or was it a specialized fisher? Paleo-art and speculation are sure to flourish. Imaginative reconstructions already feature a small, lithe dinosaur wading in an estuary, arms extended like multi-pronged spears to snatch unsuspecting fish—be it romantic or purely hypothetical- underscores how morphological adaptation shapes survival strategies.

Beyond Mexidracon, the region’s trove includes some horned dinosaurs akin to Triceratops, crested hadrosaurs resembling the likes of Parasaurolophus, and fearsome predatory lineages, plus distinctly local forms that never ventured north. Each discovery cements the notion of a partial “Mexican province” in Late Cretaceous times, cut off enough from northern neighbors to evolve distinct species. That perspective redefines how we see North American dinosaur biogeography.

Looking ahead, paleontologists hope for more complete skeletons or, ideally, a well-preserved skull for Mexidracon. A more finished blueprint might confirm if its muzzle shape or crest variation (if any) influenced its feeding. The impetus rests on local field teams: Each year, advanced mapping, high-resolution imaging, and improved excavation methods uncover once-hidden remains in the region’s chalky rock layers.

Mexico is forging its identity as a cradle of improbable and specialized species. If the “Mexican dragon” stirs enough curiosity, it might become a local icon, spurring further hunts for the next big find.

While “Mexidracon” evokes dramatic imagery of a scaly beast, it’s grounded in credible scientific data. Those who imagine flamboyant sails or spines might be disappointed; the real appeal is the dinosaur’s improbable arms. Yet the richly varied environment it inhabited and the abiding puzzle of how it used those limbs keep the find in the public eye. Combined with Mexico’s rising star in paleontology, the “long-handed Mexican dragon” seems set to fascinate dinosaur enthusiasts and casual observers for years to come.

Ultimately, Mexidracon helps bridge a gap: modern knowledge about large, fast-living ostrich mimics in North America rarely touched on the possibility of watery habitats, specialized arms, or little-known southern lineages. By unveiling what might be a genuinely one-of-a-kind adaptation, Mexico reminds us that dinosaur evolution is more complex and varied than previous narratives suggested. At 73 million years old, the “long-handed Mexican dragon” reaffirms that entire corners of dinosaur history lie waiting in the rocky countryside—and that each surprising clue can broaden our horizons about life in Earth’s distant past.

[biopractify]

Can We Clone a Dinosaur? The Science Behind Jurassic Park

Ever since Jurassic Park hit the big screen, the idea of bringing dinosaurs back to life has fascinated scientists and movie lovers alike. But is it actually possible to clone a dinosaur, or is it just Hollywood magic? In this article, we’ll dive into the real science behind cloning and whether dinosaurs could ever walk the Earth again.

Can We Clone a Dinosaur? The Science Behind Jurassic Park

Ever since Jurassic Park hit the big screen, the idea of bringing dinosaurs back to life has fascinated scientists and movie lovers alike. But is it actually possible to clone a dinosaur, or is it just Hollywood magic? In this article, we’ll dive into the real science behind cloning and whether dinosaurs could ever walk the Earth again.

The Science of Cloning: A Quick Breakdown

Cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism. Scientists have successfully cloned animals like sheep (Dolly the Sheep), cats, and even horses using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This technique involves taking DNA from a donor cell and inserting it into an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. The cell is then stimulated to grow into an embryo, which is implanted into a surrogate mother.

While this method works for recently living animals, cloning a dinosaur presents major challenges.

Why Cloning Dinosaurs Is (Currently) Impossible

1. DNA Degradation Over Time

DNA is a fragile molecule that breaks down over time. Fossilized dinosaur bones are millions of years old, and even in the best conditions, DNA cannot survive for more than about 6.8 million years. Since dinosaurs went extinct around 66 million years ago, their DNA is far too degraded to be used for cloning.

2. No Complete Dinosaur Genome

Even if we found fragments of dinosaur DNA, we would need a complete genome to successfully clone one. Without a full set of instructions, we can’t recreate a living, breathing dinosaur. Unlike in Jurassic Park, where scientists filled in the gaps with frog DNA, real-life genetic engineering doesn’t work that way.

3. Finding a Suitable Surrogate

In Jurassic Park, dinosaurs were grown inside modified ostrich eggs. However, even their closest living relatives — birds — have reproductive systems that are vastly different from ancient dinosaurs. A dinosaur embryo might not be compatible with any modern-day egg, making implantation and development impossible.

Alternative Ways to Bring Dinosaurs Back

While cloning is off the table, scientists are exploring other ways to bring back dinosaurs — or at least something similar.

1. Reverse Engineering Birds

Birds are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs, and some scientists are experimenting with “de-evolving” them by manipulating their DNA. Researchers have successfully created chicken embryos with dinosaur-like traits, such as teeth and long tails, by activating ancient genes. While this won’t bring back a T. rex, it could give us a glimpse into the past.

2. Finding Preserved Cells in Amber

In Jurassic Park, scientists extract dinosaur DNA from mosquitoes trapped in amber. While this is a thrilling concept, no scientifically verified dinosaur DNA has ever been found in amber. Even if it were, it would likely be too damaged to be useful.

3. Creating a Hybrid Species

Some scientists propose using CRISPR gene-editing technology to modify existing animals, such as crocodiles or birds, to resemble dinosaurs. While this wouldn’t be a “real” dinosaur, it could lead to the creation of dinosaur-like creatures with certain genetic traits.

Could Jurassic Park Ever Happen?

For now, cloning a dinosaur is scientifically impossible due to DNA degradation and missing genetic information. However, advancements in genetic engineering may allow scientists to create dinosaur-inspired creatures in the future.

Even if we could bring dinosaurs back, should we?

Ethical concerns about de-extinction include habitat loss, ecological disruption, and the potential dangers of releasing ancient predators into the modern world.

Final Thoughts

While Jurassic Park remains science fiction, the idea of reviving prehistoric creatures continues to inspire scientific research. Whether through reverse engineering birds, hybrid experiments, or further DNA discoveries, the dream of bringing dinosaurs back may not be completely extinct.

Would you want to see a real-life Jurassic Park? Let us know in the comments!

[akhuna01]

tag game: pick stuff from your room and have people vote on which one they want to take home.

[covenawhite66]

The process of making a full dinosaur skeleton from fossil is like putting together a giant 3D puzzle.

Where each bone/bone fragment is arranged to were paleontologists think they were put together on the skeleton looked in real life.

To make a prediction of what the species looked like while alive.

[fossilageminerals]

What Makes Tyrannosaur Teeth For Sale A Valuable Collectible?

Dinosaur fossil collections have always fascinated collectors, scientists, and enthusiasts. Among the innumerable fossils, the most exciting and prized are the T.rex teeth. Huge teeth belonging to one of the mightiest predators that ever walked the Earth.

Here, we find some reasons why tyrannosaur teeth for sale are treated as prized collectibles.

Rare and Hard to Find

Tyrannosaur teeth are precious because they are rare. Few complete specimens are found in good or even passable condition. Fossils have broken or been damaged over millions of years. Thus, when a T. rex tooth is ever discovered in superb condition, it makes an incredibly rare find in any collector's haul.

The Power of a Prehistoric Predator

Everybody knows about tyrannosaurus rex fossils due to the animal's size, strength, and fierce reputation. This dinosaur appeared 66 million years ago, measuring about 40 feet long. Its teeth were large, sharp, and meant for crushing bone. One possesses a fragment of ancient history by possessing a piece of a T. rex tooth.

Scientific and Educational Value

Tyrannosaurus rex's fossils, including teeth, are not just displays of such ancient creatures; they tell us how the dinosaur lived, what and how it hunted, and even how it grew. Paleontologists study the shape and size of the teeth of tyrannosaurus rex to understand the diet and behavior of these great reptiles.

Holding a real T. rex tooth is like having a piece of natural history. It's a great way to return to the past and ignite a spark of interest in young minds.

A Unique Addition to Any Collection

They stand out as bold, instantly recognizable, and endless conversation starters. Their size and unusual shape set them apart from other fossils or mineral specimens. Some people frame them, while others put them in display cases.

Buying from a Trusted Source

A reliable dealer should be sourced when purchasing a tyrannosaurus rex tooth, as this will ensure that what you buy is genuine and ethically sourced. Original fossil teeth are often accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and information on where it was found.

Start Your Fossil Journey Today!

The tyrannosaurus rex teeth provide a unique and spectacular chance to own a real antique from prehistory. Are you ready to get a real T. rex tooth into your collection? Start your search for authentic fossils of the mighty tyrannosaurus rex here at Fossil Age Minerals and experience the thrill of ancient Earth today.

[roguedruid]

R.E.P.O. Necromancy Division Blues

@rayshippouuchiha Congratuations, you won my insomnia’s hyper fixation for the night. There was one big benefit to working at the REPO organization, Assistant Necromancer R.D. mused, standing at the side of the big vat of ‘mysterious red fluid’ (Probably the Hemo-divisions spare blood they stole from medical storage. Or janitorial returning lost fluids again. One of them. Until he had a Blood Mage step in and check, he wasn’t planning to touch it.)

R.D. took a deep swig from the oversized coffee mug in his hand- shaped from the bones of one of his earliest failed experiments, the sealed skull of a fire demon kept the chai latte perfectly warmed, without being scalding.  Where was he? Right, big benefit of working at REPO. The dress code, and the loose definition thereof. As long as it was mildly modest, wasn’t an active safety hazard, and didn’t flash unmentional bits at random people who didn’t want it, meant that being called in, literally from his bed, meant he only had to grab his non slip work shoes and a lab coat before getting summoned in. He glanced down at his vibrant fuzzy pajama bottoms: covered with the gaudiest blue, green, and teal shark print, and the loose black and gray lab coat and black band shirt that completed his ‘3AM’ appearance and then looked back up and took another swig of chai. “Boss!” looking over, R.D. tracked his personal assistant: Benny B. Ones, the gleaming white bone and carved enamel designs flickering as the skeleton tumbled and jogged around the room, ducking around a cart of bone fragments that an apprentice osteo member was transporting. “Benny. Why am I here before noon.” The skeleton reached into his ribcage and flicked through a binder that was stapled to the left side of his spine. “We’ve got several memo’s from upper management, specifying both intern policy, recruitment drives, and the plans for the Inevitable Lich Conversion Drive.” “The ILCD is still on standby. Fatality rates are low enough that we don't need it yet.” R.D. flipped through the memo’s with only mild concern. “And if we don’t get enough Interns, those rates aren’t gonna stay steady. Medical keeps taking anyone with general healing abilities and the flesh crafters, considering they run the HRT and Body Customization wing, which is making the reconstructive procedures for the actual dead people a nightmare. Trying to get three Necro-specialists to work on the same problem at any point in time is a bitch.” Benny nodded, and rummaged through the various pouches and files in his chest, before pulling out what was very clearly an incident report: considering the edges of the paper were laminated with bright yellow and black hazard print. “And there’s also this!” Taking the report, R.D. gave it a long look, skimming over the basics until he hit the actual ‘Incident’ description… before pausing. “Why the hell do we have the reconstructed remains of six T-rexes in the first place? And who let the Bone Crew at them?” Sighing, R.D. folded the paper up and started marching through the hallway towards the Graveyard warehouses, gaudy Pj’s leading the charge while his labcoat gave a melodramatic ‘swoosh’ behind him. “I swear, it’s always something here.”

[naturalsciencesbelgium]

📷 Trix vs Stan! Come and admire the two T. rexes currently exhibited @rbins. 🦖 🦖

In the first two pictures is the 3D-printed version of Trix, the specimen of our Dutch friends of Naturalis in Leiden. In the last two pics you see our cast of Stan.

Both of them:

- were top predators during the very last part of the Upper Cretaceous period, the last chapter in the book of dinosaurs (avian dinosaurs as current birds have written a nice sequel! 😊)

- were excavated in the Hell Creek Formation of North America: Trix near Jordan in Montana 📍, Stan near Buffalo in South Dakota 📍 (a 4 hour drive from each other).

- were prepared by the Black Hills Institute in Hill City, South Dakota

- are among the most complete 🧩 of some thirty T. rex specimens known today

- have healed bite marks and wounds 🩸 probably caused by other T. rexes

- had 50 to 60 teeth, some as big as bananas 🍌. They are robust and serrated allowing T. rex to bite through flesh and bone. The teeth were replaced throughout their lives.

- had well-developed senses: 👃 olfactory lobes almost as large as their brain, a highly developed inner ear 👂 that could perceive low frequency sounds, and small eyes 👁️ located towards the front of the skull (like we have) which demonstrates stereoscopic, 3D vision.

They also differ:

- Trix is seen as a female, Stan as a male, although palaeontologists are still debating…

- Trix is a bit longer and higher than Stan 📏: 12.5 m vs 11.7 m; 4 m vs 3.64 m

- Both were old when they died, but Trix is the oldest T. rex so far: more than 30 years of age

- Trix is estimated to be at least 67 million years old, Stan 66 million.

- Stan was named after its finder: amateur palaeontologist Stan Sacrison, who discovered the first of Stan's bone fragments. Trix is both an allusion to "T-rex" and to former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands: so Trix is the Queen of the Cretaceous! 👑

- Stan has had more admirers so far as he is all over the world: it’s the most duplicated T. rex fossil.

- Trix is publicly available for research, Stan for the moment is not. The original specimen was auctioned and sold for 💲31.8 million dollars to an anonymous private buyer in 2020, making it the most expensive fossil ever sold. Its future as a study object and museum exhibit is uncertain at this moment.

[Pictures of Trix on Instagram by visitors @pavel_sb and @mrdieds ; of Stan by @elisebormans and @ omar_cirilli]

[carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory]

What Did Dinosaurs Sound Like? A Brief Foray into Paleoacoustics in Science and Film

by Niko Borish and Caroline Lee

When you think about dinosaurs as living animals, what do you think of? Many people imagine them as they are depicted in the Jurassic Park films – giant reptiles, clad in scales, generating reverberating roars that shake the screen. Although this image is certainly entertaining, research in recent years points to unexpected findings that are no less interesting. Evidence suggests that dinosaur vocalizations were not likely to have sounded like roars at all! We’ll explore what’s known about the real voices of dinosaurs with a paleontological source and an interview with an expert who has made relevant discoveries. We’ll also discuss how the sounds you hear in the Jurassic Park films were created!

We had a chance to interview Dr. Julia Clarke, a paleontologist at the University of Texas, to learn more about paleoacoustics (the study of sound associated with fossils) in non-avian dinosaurs and their evolutionary descendants, birds. In Antarctica in the mid-1990s, Vegavis iaai, an ancient bird dating to around 66 to 68 million years ago, was excavated. Dr. Clarke analyzed the fossil, and in 2013 found evidence that Vegavis had a vocal organ specific to birds, known as a syrinx. In extant (meaning alive today) bird species, the syrinx is responsible for all the vocalizations we identify as bird songs or calls. This means that Vegavis most likely honked (not unlike a goose), owing to an asymmetrical third segment in the syrinx. When we asked why it took about two decades to find the syrinx after the fossil’s original discovery, Dr. Clarke answered that “discovery is not just one moment.” She received the fossil for study in 2008. When she was about to return it in 2012, she went over its computed tomographic (CT) scan images again and noticed something new – a tiny structure that looked like a simple bone fragment or toe bone on the surface of the rock. It turned out to be the syrinx! Clarke and her coauthors noted that we still don’t know when the syrinx evolved because non-avian dinosaur fossils lack this structure. Vegavis is related to extant bird species, and despite searching, no earlier dinosaur syrinxes have so far been found.

Carnivorous dinosaurs are often pictured as chasing prey while letting out intimidating roars. Other new discoveries made from studies of extant birds indicate that this image is a misconception. Dr. Clarke explained that instead of open-mouthed roars, scientists theorize that many dinosaurs may have produced closed-mouth vocalizations. Animals produce closed-mouth vocalizations by inflating their esophagus (the tube that connects the throat and stomach) or tracheal pouches (pouches on their windpipe) while keeping their mouth closed, producing something comparable to a low-pitched swooshing, growling, or cooing sound. These closed-mouth vocalizations differ substantially from open-mouth vocalizations like bird calls. Think of closed-mouth vocalizations as being lower and more percussive, as opposed to bird calls, which are more varied in pitch and almost melodic. Modern examples of closed-mouth vocalizations include crocodilian growls and ostrich booms. As a result, scientists reasoned that many dinosaurs did not perform open-mouth vocalizations, but could have generated closed-mouth vocalizations instead. Although birds evolved from theropods (a group of dinosaurs characterized by, among other attributes, hollow bones and a bipedal stance), theropods likely did not have the ability to make complex sounds similar to those of extant songbirds.

Perhaps sadly, the exciting, blood-curdling roars in the Jurassic Park franchise are not scientifically accurate. Current evidence supports that Tyrannosaurus rex made closed-mouth vocalizations, but in the films, the Tyrannosaurus opens its mouth every time it roars. That begs the question: who or what voiced the Tyrannosaurus and other Jurassic Park dinosaurs? The majority of the sounds used to create the Tyrannosaurus sonic palette came from recordings of elephant bellows. Also used were crocodilian growls, roars from lions and tigers (but not bears), the sound of water coming up from a whale’s blowhole, and even growls from the sound producer’s dog. Some other animals’ sounds that were used to make different dinosaurs’ vocalizations include: hawing donkeys, neighing horses, growling tortoises, whistling dolphins, howling howler monkeys, oinking pigs, barking fennec foxes, and chirping birds! Most of these sounds were edited and pitched up or down to fit their roles.

Another popular misconception initiated by the Jurassic Park franchise was the concept of the “Velociraptor resonating chamber.” In Jurassic Park III, the protagonists search for a “Velociraptor resonating chamber” that allows them to communicate with the Velociraptor pack. However, the possibility of this structure was debunked by Dr. Clarke and Dr. Matt Lamanna, a paleontologist at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The resonating chamber does not actually exist. If such a chamber existed, it would only amplify the sound (auditory vibrations that travel through the air) made by dinosaurs, not modify its timbre (the tone quality of a sound) or pitch (a measure of how high or low a sound is), which would not allow humans to imitate Velociraptor sounds as shown in the movie. In other words, it would not work like a giant duck call. Additionally, the way that scientists perceive closed-mouth vocalizations to function disproves the whole idea of a resonating chamber to begin with. This is because the organs involved in vocalization include either esophageal or tracheal pouches but no dedicated “resonating chamber.”

What non-avian dinosaurs really sounded like is an enigma currently being uncovered by teams of researchers like that led by Dr. Clarke. All in all, while the movies are certainly helpful for getting people interested in dinosaurs and paleontology, a logical next step is to schedule a visit to Carnegie Museum of Natural History to get the real facts!

We would like to extend a gargantuan thank-you to Dr. Julia Clarke and Dr. Matt Lamanna for generously offering expertise for our blog! Their help evolved our blog to the next level, and for that we are extremely grateful.

Niko Borish and Caroline Lee are Teen Volunteers in the Education Department. Museum employees, volunteers, and interns are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.

References

Analysis of fossilized Antarctic bird’s ‘voice box’ suggests dinosaurs couldn’t sing. (2016, October 12). National Science Foundation. Retrieved March 7, 2021, from https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=189996

Clarke, J. (2016, July 16). New Research Debunks The Dinosaur’s Roar (Interview by L. Wertheimer) [Radio broadcast]. In Weekend Edition Saturday. National Public Radio. https://www.npr.org/2016/07/16/486279631/new-research-debunks-the-dinosaurs-roar

Riede, T., Eliason, C. M., Miller, E. H., Goller, F., & Clarke, J. A. (2016). Coos, booms, and hoots: The evolution of closed-mouth vocal behavior in birds. Evolution, 1734-1746. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.12988

Taylor, D. (Host), & Nelson, A., & Clarke, J. (n.d.). Tyrannosaurus FX (No. 105) [Audio podcast episode]. In L. Battison (Producer), Twenty Thousand Hertz. Twenty Thousand Hertz. https://www.20k.org/episodes/tyrannosaurusfx

[uk-fossils]

Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossil Bone Fragment - Hell Creek Formation - Cretaceous - Montana USA - Genuine Specimen

Own a genuine piece of prehistory with this Tyrannosaurus Rex bone fragment, unearthed from the renowned Hell Creek Formation in Montana, USA. Dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago, this fossil represents one of the most iconic predators in Earth's history.

The specimen on display is the exact fossil you will receive, not a stock image. It has been carefully selected for its authenticity and clarity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world. The photo includes a 1cm scale cubefor accurate size reference, and further dimensions can be seen in the full set of images provided.

This piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that it is a 100% genuine fossil specimen. It makes an excellent addition to any fossil collection, an educational resource, or a unique and meaningful gift for dinosaur enthusiasts, teachers, or science lovers.

Species: Tyrannosaurus rex

Formation: Hell Creek Formation

Age: Late Cretaceous (~66 million years old)

Location: Montana, USA

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Don't miss your chance to own a real piece of the prehistoric past from one of the most famous dinosaurs of all time!

[doorbloggr]

Tuseday 7/9/21 - The Dinosaur Scavenger Debate

Model of Sue the T.rex eating a baby Edmontosaurus, from the Field Museum, Blue Rhino Studios

Full disclosure before I start this article, I am not a palaeontologist, neither have I kept up with all of the relevant literature to know everything on the topic. But I've seen this debate flair up a few times on paleo twitter in the past, so I'm gonna give you a very shallow overview of the discussion.

Therapod dinosaurs were a very unique type of carnivorous animal. All the active hunting terrestrial carnivores we have today have an upper size limit of maybe a tiger or a bear, and most of those travel on all fours. Large meat eating dinosaurs had different bone structures, metabolisms, and importantly, different prey.

A few times in the past, and again recently, there have been those sceptical of the actual hunting ability of large therapod dinosaurs. Sure they were big enough to kill their prey, but were they fast enough? Had enough stamina? Tyrannosaurus rex had jaws powerful enough to break clean through flesh and bone, but you know what else does? Hyenas, jackals, vultures; scavengers. I am not personally aligned with this hunter-sceptical side of palaeontology, but it is an argument that exists.

Hyenas scavenging, Credit: The Next Crossing

Long ago there was an ill-informed take that some dinosaurs were too big to walk. Now the current take is that some dinosaurs were too big to hunt. So, with a bit of research, today I'm going to explore both sides of this debate.

Obligate Scavengers

The first part of the argument is usually about how powerful the jaws of Tyrannosaurus are. Its bite could crush bones, and coprolites (fossil poo) from the species has shown remains of bone fragments, confirming that this dinosaur was indeed eating bones. The teeth of dinosaurs more commonly thought of as pursuit predators such as raptors have narrower, blade like teeth, while T.rex had large, thick, banana sized/shaped teeth. So was this dinosaur specialised for mostly rotted carcasses?

Tyrannosaurus eating a Triceratops, Atrox1 (deviantart)

Tyrannosaurus has also been recently found to have extraordinary senses. It's eyesight is second to none in the dinosaur kingdom and may even rival the visual acuity of today's falcons. And it's sense of smell was amazing too, able to smell blood way beyond even it's visual range. Senses like these are useful for scavengers today who need to travel long distances to find their food. Vultures and condors may travel thousands of kilometres to find a carcass, and like T.rex, their large size means that they can scare off most smaller scavengers from a larger corpse.

Allosaurus fragilis attack a Diplodocus, Fred Weirum

This last point is more about Allosaurus, who has recently been accused of a scavenging lifestyle too. Although Allosaurus was more lightly built than Tyrannosaurus, and had large powerful claws, it has long been studied to most often preyed on Sauropod dinosaurs, which were many, many times larger than Allosaurus. Allosaurus was thought to be unlikely to be able to take down a Sauropod on its own, and its skull is not as robust as most large therapods its size. Sauropod dinosaurs were truly gigantic, and have been studied to move in herds, so perhaps it was just that Allosaurus followed these herds, and when one died, that's enough meat to sustain even a family of Allosaurus for weeks!

Active Hunters

While it's easy to find fossil evidence of bones being damaged while the animal is dead, evidence of the animal being hunted is not as easy. BUT it can be found. Many prey species dinosaurs have evidence of bone scar tissue, meaning that the animal was injured, but got better. In some specimens, there are specific markings evident of teeth marks on partially healed bones, or even teeth lodged in the bones. Tyrannosaurus rex teeth markings have been found in multiple specimens, showing that Tyrannosaurus was actively attacking live animals, and sometimes, the prey got away.

Tyrannosaurus, Mark Garlick

The unusually well adapted senses also point to a predator positive position. Tyrannosaurus' binocular vision is evidence of an animal that needed depth perception, and the only extant animals with true binocular vision are predators. Bone studies have, for a long time, concluded that Tyrannosaurus rex could only walk relatively slowly. But this is a misconception, Tyrannosaurs preferred to walk slowly, and may have travelled most of the time at a more relaxed pace, but it could likely experience short bursts of higher speed. The herbivorous prey items it hunted were not extraordinarily fast either, and a quick dash as an ambush was probably all it took to grab a surprised hadrosaur or ceratopsian.

Komodo Dragon hunting a feral goat, Caters News Agency

The hardy teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex may have been well suited for crushing bones, but their overall shape point to damages that could also better injure their prey. Unlike the pointed daggers of most therapods, Tyrannosaurus teeth were deeply serated like a Komodo Dragon's. And Komodo Dragons do not need to kill their prey in one bite either. Their serated teeth are home to bacteria, and once they bite into their prey, the wound festers and bleeds out profusely, until their injury worsens enough that the predator catches up and finishes them off. Palaeontologists have theorised T.rex may have done the same.

Opportunistic Scavengers

The issue with this debate is there seems to be this misconception that it's either one or the other. But what if we consider modern examples of meat eating animals? Sure Hyenas, a well established scavenger can crush bones with its jaws, but you know what else can? Lions, and Tigers, and Bears! Oh my! Crushing bones can help you kill living animals too actually.

And sure Tyrannosaurus rex has shown evidence of scavenging on the carcasses of long dead animals, and Allosaurus has been discussed reaping the benefits of a massive Sauropod carcass, but what predator wouldn't pass up on an already dead animal corpse? Big cats, bears, and wolves have been observed countless times reaping the benefits of animals killed by humans, or massive sea mammals or fish that wash up dead on the beach.

A brown bear and a wolf scavenging on a fin whale carcass, Credit: Brad Josephs

The probable truth of the dinosaur scavenger debate is that most large therapods were capable of taking down some prey items, but would not pass up a large dead dinosaur if the opportunity presented itself. Because much like the corpse of a whale at the bottom of the ocean, a dead dinosaur could sustain a small ecosystem of its own for a while.

Thanks for Reading

This was a very long blogpost, so if you read all the way through it, I much appreciate you taking the time. The topic of predatory dinosaur behaviours is ever evolving as new tests and evidence are presented. The consensus on Tyrannosaurus is currently leaning more toward predator than scavenger, but this study on Allosaurus is still fresh, and despite much of the paleo community opposing this take, evidence against it hasn't been well compiled yet.

If you have any further information you want to present on this topic, I am more than happy to hear it in the Notes, or via inbox. If you know other Palaeontology based topics that you think would be interesting to cover, my inbox and asks are always open.

You can find more articles like this linked in my pinned post.

Credits/Further Reading:

Was Tyrannosaurus rex a Ferocious Predator or a Wimp? (Wilkin & Hone); Frontiers for Young Minds

Allosaurus was not a Carnivorous Predator but a Scavenger during Late Jurassic, Study Finds (Jefferson); The Science Times

Time to slay the T.rex Scavenger Debate (Brian Switek); National Geographic

Tyrannosaurus rex was not a Fast Runner, more a Slow Walker, Simulation shows (David Bressen) Forbes

T.rex: A Hunter AND a Scavenger; The Prehistoric Saga

The Truth About T Rex - Predator or Scavenger; Dangerville - Youtube

[bunjywunjy]

Hello! I have a question about evolution. Growing up, I was taught that fossil records are actually evidence against evolution, and it was something about a bunch of animals suddenly appearing without previous ancestors? But then I took a biology class, where I was told that fossil records are actually a very good piece of evidence for evolution. So I'm just kind of confused now and I'm not sure what's true?

it’s a complicated question, but there’s actually a very simple answer to why fossil records are so fragmented and piecemeal if you think about it for a second! 

the reason is this- very very very VERY few dead animals ever become fossils, and even less of these are ever found! 

for a dead animal to become a fossil, a LOT of very specific factors have to line up absolutely perfectly. 

and then after the fact, the fossil has to not get destroyed by tectonic drift, natural erosion, or humans blasting mountains apart to make highways! the fossil also has to come close enough to the surface that humans can find the dang thing in the first place. 

these factors line up so infrequently that we estimate only something like 0.1% of all species that have ever lived on this planet have been found as fossils. this is why sometimes entire lineages can just show up out of nowhere in the paleontological record, or vanish mysteriously only to show up still alive in modern times! it’s just because none of the animals in the in-between stages were lucky enough to fossilize and be found... yet, anyway. the search continues.

also to complicate matters, some animals like T-Rex did live in areas where these factors actually did line up pretty often, which is why we have multiple fossils of some species! but a lot of other species just either lived in areas where fossilization was almost impossible (deep water, grasslands) or didn’t have bones or other hard bits sturdy enough to become fossils in the first place (birds, BATS BATS BATS BATS) and for the most part, these locations and time periods are black boxes to us. 

if you think about it, it’s amazing that we know as much as we do!

[kaminobiwan]

hush

pairing: captain rex  x  reader

summary: you witness a side of Rex he never wanted you to see.

warnings: nightmares in this one loves, and mentions of death in flashbacks. also the f bomb plus other bad words not found in canon

a/n: more?? angst? I’m sorry??? this was requested by the harbinger of feelings™ herself, @morganas-pendragons (who is partially to blame for all my sad ideas lately, thank you I am LOVING this chaos), as well as an anon who wanted to see Rex being calmed down. the anon request was actually from wayyy back from my first milestone celebration, and the prompt word was ‘hush’, for which this fic is named. I am so sorry that took so long lmao and I’m still not done with all of them. but at least this time, it’s hurt AND comfort?

takes place a little while before Lost in Translation. hope you enjoy the return of Rex :-) bloop here’s my taglist

Of course, the first time you witness one of Rex’s nightmares, it’s one of the worst ones of his entire life.

He’d curse the Maker if he thought there really was one. At least, one that listened to clones.

But not even a Jedi could have consoled him after seeing the expression on your face when you found him thrashing around in his bed. The way your eyes shone with pitiful understanding as you’d realized why he would always keep his hair short, no matter what, from the way he’d been tearing at his skull.

Before this, he’d been having a surprisingly good day. Torrent Company’s recon mission had been a success, and back at base, they’d seen Fives and Echo — fresh from ARC training and beaming with new armor yet again. Fives had protested indignantly at being called an ‘ARC Shiny’ while Echo had promised to buy Rex a drink the next time they were both on Coruscant, and then he’d dragged you to his room at the end of the night in a rare moment of laughter and flirtatiousness.

He should have known better than to think he’d get away with one full rotation of peace.

The nightmare comes unexpectedly, his muscles seizing as gunfire flashes behind his eyelids. He’s back on Kamino, the attack on his homeworld replaying in his memories.

So many clones had died. Cadets had died.

The image in his mind fast-forwards to the aftermath of the massacre. He’s overturning the body of a brother clad in familiar colors — it’s Colt, unharmed save for a single lightsaber singe through the chest and a faint lip print left on his cheek.

And then, he’s screaming.

It was her, the assassin from Teth, the one that had wormed her way into his psyche and moved his limbs for him like a puppet on string, toying with his sanity as his own appendages betrayed him. She did this.

Colt’s hands suddenly reach up and grab hold of his face, dragging him downwards, and Rex screeches in terror. “Let go! Colt!”

“We fight together,” Colt’s eyes are unseeing, reflecting death, but his voice is directed to Rex nonetheless. “That’s what we said. But where were you, Rex?”

Another body rises next to him, but Rex is too wild with terror to turn. He can’t look at another dead brother. “You’re not real! Stop! Colt, I’m sorry.”

“Rex.” The voice calls his name again, but this time, it changes from Colt’s into someone else’s. Not a clone’s. “Rex! Wake up!”

His eyes fly open, his fallen brother’s hands morphing into your own as he takes in your face, frantic and lamenting. It’s still dark, but not tinged with the red of alarm lights on Tipoca. You grip his face tighter.

“This is real. I’m real.” Your voice breaks as you press your palms to his cheeks, forcing him to meet your eyes. “I need you to come back to me.”

He can’t speak — can’t even force his lungs to inhale an ounce of oxygen. His chest and throat burn with exertion, but he’s still gasping for air.

“Breathe with me, yeah? Come on, Rex. Breathe.” Where was Colt? Where were the bodies?

He can tell he’s hyperventilating, but it begins to subside as you hum comfortingly and bring his hands to his torso, instructing him to hold his breath and exhale slowly. Your words barely make it to his brain, but he complies numbly, feeling his stomach rise and fall.

“That’s it — there you go.”

Your voice brings him back to earth, and shadows that rim the edges of his vision slowly fade out. You continue to coax him down from the adrenaline of the phantom threat, and his breathing soon evens out.

It was just a dream.

You help him through the comedown for a while longer, making sure he’s still there. As the fragments of reality fall back into place, Rex thanks whoever is listening for your presence.

But as soon as he’s cognizant enough to notice the tears drying on his cheeks, and realize the fetal position he’d assumed in the midst of his thrashing, the panic is replaced with embarrassment, along with something worse.

Anger.

Immediately, he wrenches out of your grip, flinging your hand away in the middle of you stroking his bare back. He registers the hurt that flashes in your eyes, but he’s too irrational to feel anything but disgust — with himself.

You don’t know that, though.

“Rex?” Your gaze is questioning, positively dripping with concern, and it makes him even angrier. He feels like a child.

“Stop that.” He all but growls, and you wince as if he’s struck you. Rather than apologizing, Rex twists his body from you in a half-hearted attempt to hide his storm of horrible emotions. Guilt streaks the red-hot fury that eats at his chest, but he ignores it all. Pushes everything that isn’t cold-blooded indifference away. Get a grip.

Your voice is tentative and small when you speak again — stars, he hopes you’re not crying. He can’t handle that right now. “Stop what, Rex?”

“That look! Stop fucking looking at me like that.” He waves a hand around sharply as he responds, but still doesn’t turn to face you. “I don’t want your pity.”

A sniffle comes from your direction, and Rex shuts his eyes. Fuck. You are crying, and he can tell you’re holding it in as best you can so he can’t hear you.

He doesn’t mean to be so harsh with you, but he can’t help it. Letting you see what’s going on inside his head means dragging you into his mess of a brain, his mess of a life, and you don’t need that. Nobody needs that. You’re already more involved in it than he wanted you to be.

What he needs right now is to be alone. For you to leave, so that he can compartmentalize. He needs the isolation to numb the panic he feels still shaking his bones beneath his skin.

He needs to hide.

But just as he’s about to open his mouth to ask you to get out of his room, you’re shuffling out from under the sheets and standing between his legs, arms on your hips.

“I’m not pitying you, Rex. I’m just worried.”

“Well, don’t be. I’m tellin’ you not to.”

“Tough shit, Rex. You don’t get to decide.” You cross your arms assertively, and he finally looks up at you with similar ire. You’re glaring now, tears gone, but that patronizing compassion is still there. Rex shoves the thought down.

You’re not patronizing him. And yet, he just feels that way.

See, this is why he has to deal with these things on his own.

You call his name again, demanding him to pay attention to you. “You don’t have to wear your heart on your sleeve, Rex, but don’t hide everything all away just because you’re afraid someone might actually care about you.”

His brows furrow defensively. “I’m not —”

“You are. You always do. Because you think you don’t deserve it.” Although you’re speaking softly as to not wake the others in the barracks, your voice is still colored with insistence. Rex would laugh at the contradiction if he wasn’t so shaken. “It’s not up to you to decide what you’re deserving of. You don’t get to tell me how much I should care. You’re the one that needs to stop being so hard on yourself.”

His head lowers as he tries to escape the weight of your words. “I can handle it. I was bred for this.”

“Stop believing that! It’s not fair.”

“Fair to who? You?”

“To you!” You retort, throwing your hands up to accentuate your frustration. “You’re human, not just a clone. If you don’t quit the one-man-army act and open up, you’re gonna explode.” You seemingly deflate, but come down to sit next to him once more. Your hand comes to rest on his, and he doesn’t move it. “How well will you be able to lead your brothers then?”

You’re met with silence, and he can’t think of anything to say to fill it.

Deep down, Rex knows you’re probably right. You sound like Kix, telling him to take care of himself so he can take better care of others, but Rex has never been good at listening to that kind of talk, never been good at cutting himself any slack. He’s not even sure he wants to.

He doesn’t know who he’d become without the responsibility of command.

You squeeze his hand inquisitively, voice probing. “Rex, it doesn’t have to be me, but it has to be someone.” He looks up at you again, feeling drained. He’s tired. “We all want to be there for you. You just…” Trailing off, you search his eyes for any sign of acceptance, and his pupils follow yours as you pause. “You have to let us.”

He knows you don’t have anything left to say, and now it’s his turn to speak. You expect that from him, at the very least. This connection between you, whatever it was, consisted of a give and take. That much, he understood.

Still, it takes him a while to respond.

“I want it to be you.”

Your head tips in question, but you say nothing as you allow him the time to work through what he’s feeling.

“If I open up…I want it to be to you.” He nods as if he’s confirming the thought to himself, and his eyes find yours once more. “Please.”

You stare at him, and for a second Rex thinks he’s said the wrong thing, but then you let out a wry laugh. “If? Rex, you better believe that I’m not gonna quit until you do. In fact, you’re not leaving this bed until you promise you will.”

The mood shifts to a lighter one as you end your threat in teasing, but Rex still feels the seriousness in your statement. Somewhere inside him, gratefulness blooms, but he’s not yet conversationally equipped to tell you that without it sounding wrong to him. So, he places his other hand on top of yours instead.

“Okay.” He breathes. “I promise.”

That earns him a small smile from you, and in his exhaustion, he leans forward, resting his head on yours and clumsily plants a kiss to your eye. Your arms encircle him right away, and he buries his face into your shoulder. Silently, he catches the familiar scent from the fabric you’re wearing, and a smile of his own spreads when he recognizes his blacks on your frame.

“I don’t know how.” Still nestled in your embrace, he croaks out a warning. “But…I’ll try. For you.”

“For you,” you correct him, and he closes his eyes with at the way your affection overwhelms him. “Like I said before. I’ll help you with the rest.”

When he falls asleep again, cradled by you, it’s not a dreamless sleep.

But the dream is a good one.

[earthstory]

Super Croc, gigantic crocodile from Cretaceous period

Paleontologist Paul Serrano and his team were searching near Gadoufaoua, Niger in Africa. During the search, the team came across huge pieces of fossilised bones, and recognised them as the bones from an extinct crocodile species. It was so large that it wound up as the first animal nicknamed a “Supercroc”.

French paleontologists had found similar bones including skull fragments some 30 years before Serrano's team. They named the creature Sarcosuchus imperator (flesh crocodile emperor), but before the expedition by Serrano's team in 1997 little was known about this ancient predator.

As soon as the team started digging they found massive jaw bones, each as long as some members of the team. The jaws were about 6 feet (1.8 metres) in length, and huge crushing teeth were a testament that this giant crocodile used them to tear away dinosaur flesh. They are thought to have existed during the Middle Cretaceous era, about 110 million years ago. The skull fragments found were put together, and it was estimated that they probably grew up to 40 feet (12 metres) in length, and weighed around 8 tons (17,500 pounds).

The team found skull fragments, intact jaw bones, vertebrae, limb bones, and armour plates (scutes) about 30 cms long which used to run over the whole body of this species. This assemblage of bones helped the scientists to get a clear picture of about half of the giant crocodile's skeleton. According to Serrano, "The new material gives us a good idea of hyper-giant crocodiles. There's been rampant speculation about what they looked like and where they fit in the croc family tree." There are annual growth rings on the scutes, and from this the scientists calculated the croc's age to be about 50 to 60 years.

Sarcosuchus does not share the same reptile family tree as modern day crocodiles, which consists of caimans, gharials, alligators and crocodiles. "It's not a modern croc, but they share an early common ancestor, " as per Larsson, a member of Serrano's team.

In the early Jurassic, after the split of early crocodilians into separate land based and marine based species, Sarcosuchus appeared. They were probably ambush hunters, and were adept in surprising their preys with little chance of defense. Like the modern day Indian gharials, this ancient predator had upwardly tilted eye sockets, which helped them to hide their huge body underwater while waiting for the unsuspecting preys. 

The other distinguishing feature is the round bony protrusion at the tip of its snout known as bulla, another common feature present in modern gharials. Larsson thinks that just like the gharials use the muscles around bulla to emit various sounds during mating, the ancient croc must have used it to emit mating calls. The bulla could also have enhanced their sense of smell and gave them an edge over other predator species.

Other relatives of this animal have been recognized in fossil deposits since this initial discovery, expanding the range of large crocodile-like animals from the end-Cretaceous extinction back into the Jurassic..

Source:

http://on.natgeo.com/1CsQ9ps

http://bit.ly/1EYMUUY https://www.livescience.com/59697-super-croc-with-t-rex-teeth-ate-dinosaurs.html

--RB.[_

_](https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthStory/photos/pcb.857650794295966/857650627629316/?type=3&theater#)