Found the largest predator in the history of the planet

Reconstruction of the head Mapusaurus roseae (AP Photo/HO/Rodolfo Coria).

Paleontologists Philip Carey (Philip Currie) from the canadian University of Alberta (University of Alberta ), and Rodolfo Coria (Rodolfo Coria) from the Argentinean paleontological Museum Carmen Funes discovered the largest carnivorous dinosaur.

Fossils of a carnivorous animal, considerably larger than the well-known Tyrannosaurus Rex were found in Argentina.

Dinosaur Mapusaurus roseae weighed 6 tons and was averaging 12-13 meters in length. He lived 100 million years ago and preyed on large dinosaurs. The name Mapusaurus is derived from the word “Earth” in the language of the tribe Mapuche living near Nakhodka, in Western Patagonia.

“This lizard was large enough and strong enough to attack the 100-ton, 40-metre long herbivorous argentinosaurus ( Argentinosaurus ), who lived near him here, during the Cretaceous period,” explained Carrie.

Mapusaurus roseae . thus pushed, respectively, into second and third place in size among the largest predators the Earth, its two close relatives — the dinosaur species Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus .

Kerry added that one of semifinales aspects of the excavations is the discovery of several Mapusaurus roseae different ages. “We are part of the seven animals found in the same quarry. Not often you get to see such a range, when you find a new dinosaur — happy scientist. We can see here everything from young animals to adults. We can look at what they are great and what kinds of changes they went through as they grew up”.

Because of this finding Carrie believes that the new predatory lizard lived in families of 12 or more animals (for predators in this region and this time — a rarity) and hunted collectively.

Interesting and teeth “newbie”. “The t-Rex had jaws that were well adapted to the breaking of bones, but in this case, we have teeth that are more like scissors, and they are better suited to cut meat, — said Kerry. — It makes sense. If you eat really big animals, you are not able to bite through his bones, somehow, breaking his teeth.”

Scientists believe that the Mapusaurus roseae was snatched from the victim’s body a big piece of meat, and then waited, when she will bleed to death.

To gently reach the head of the giant lizard, the scientists were required to shovel 100 tons of Sandstone, which took 5 years of excavation.

Learn about what a Tyrannosaurus Rex bite was the most powerful on Earth, and read about two recent discoveries: a giant thief of eggs and record the long-necked dinosaur.