The Name Of The Dinosaur With 500 Teeth
Introduction
Dinosaurs have always fascinated us with their massive size, sharp teeth, and ferocious appearance. While many of us are familiar with the likes of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor, there are several lesser-known species that are equally intriguing. One such dinosaur is known for having a whopping 500 teeth! But what is the name of this fascinating creature?
The Name of the Dinosaur
The dinosaur in question is called Nigersaurus, and it lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago. This herbivorous dinosaur had a long neck, small head, and a mouth full of up to 500 teeth arranged in rows, making it one of the most unique dinosaurs to have ever existed.
Discovery and Naming
The first remains of Nigersaurus were discovered in Niger, Africa, in the 1950s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that a more complete skeleton was found. The dinosaur was named Nigersaurus taqueti after French palaeontologist Philippe Taquet, who led the team that discovered the more complete skeleton.
Anatomy and Teeth
Nigersaurus was a relatively small dinosaur, measuring only around 30 feet long and weighing about 4 tons. Its most distinctive feature was its long neck, which was comprised of up to 13 vertebrae, each of which was elongated and had a spoon-shaped end. This allowed the dinosaur to graze on low-lying vegetation, such as ferns and horsetails.
The dinosaur's teeth were unique in that they were pencil-shaped and continuously growing throughout its life. The teeth were arranged in rows, with each row containing up to 50 teeth. As the front teeth wore down from constant use, they were replaced by new teeth that grew in from the back of the mouth. This allowed Nigersaurus to maintain a constant supply of sharp teeth for efficient herbivory.
Behaviour and Habitat
Nigersaurus is believed to have been a social dinosaur, living in herds alongside other herbivorous dinosaurs. Its habitat was likely a floodplain, with rivers and lakes providing a constant source of water and vegetation.
Conclusion
Nigersaurus may not be as well-known as some of its more famous dinosaur cousins, but its unique anatomy and 500 teeth make it a fascinating creature nonetheless. Its discovery has shed light on the diversity of dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, and we can only imagine what other incredible creatures are waiting to be uncovered.