In the prehistoric era, a fascinating creature known as the rhynchosaur, resembling a cute yet peculiar pig-sized animal, roamed the Earth. It fed on tough plants with a single row of teeth. Although it thrived during the Triassic Era around 245 million years ago, recent research has revealed a critical design flaw in its physical structure that challenges its fossil-based reputation as a “grinning” reptile. According to the New York Times, scientists from the University of Bristol in the UK conducted CT scans and found that rhynchosaurs likely starved to death in old age due to physiological limitations in their jaws.
New Atlas highlights that rhynchosaurs had a diet primarily consisting of tough vegetation, which eventually eroded their teeth to the point where they could no longer extract sufficient nutrients. The problem lied in their inefficient scissor-like chewing action. After tearing at leathery plant leaves, they would spend time grinding them against a bony ridge with their teeth to make them digestible. Over time, their teeth deteriorated, and unlike modern animals, rhynchosaurs were unable to grow replacements. Consequently, they were left with worn-down teeth, unable to chew properly. Additionally, the changes to their jaw and mouth gave them a permanent grin, as noted by the Times.
Yara Haridy, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Chicago, emphasizes the detrimental effects of continuous wear and tear on the teeth. She states that it is especially detrimental for maintaining their ability to eat. Study co-author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul explains in a press release that rhynchosaurs were consuming extremely tough food, such as ferns, which resulted in the teeth being worn down to the bone of the jaw. Effectively, they ended up chopping their meals with a combination of teeth and bone. However, the research suggests that their ultimate demise was likely influenced more by a changing climate affecting the availability of plants than the physical flaw, according to the news release. Nevertheless, there are still mysteries surrounding these ancient herbivores. In April, Phys.org reported the discovery of new rhynchosaur fossils in Wyoming, presenting an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.
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