Dental Marvel: 500 Teeth
Nigersaurus had an enormous battery of teeth. Its broad, straight-edged muzzle resembled a pair of giant shovels, wider than the back of its head. Within this oddly shaped mouth, the dinosaur sported no less than 500 teeth—both active and replacement. The upper jaws boasted 60 rows of small, needle-shaped teeth, while the lower jaws held no fewer than 68 very sharp teeth. These teeth were replaceable, similar to sharks’ teeth, as Nigersaurus constantly required fresh ones due to wear and loss.
CT Scans and Biomechanics
Despite having only a partial skull and numerous postcranial bones, Nigersaurus was one of the first dinosaurs to undergo computerized tomography (CT) scans. These scans provided valuable insights into its anatomy and behavior. Researchers discovered that Nigersaurus likely habitually held its head downwards, grazing on low-lying plants. This contrasts with most sauropod reconstructions, which depict these giants holding their heads horizontally.
Size and Adaptations
\Nigersaurus was approximately 29 feet long (about the size of a modern African elephant) and weighed around 4.4 tons. Its mug, however, stole the show. Viewed from above, its wide muzzle resembled the business end of a vacuum cleaner. The dinosaur’s feeding strategy involved using its big, broad mouth to gather food nonselectively, much like modern cows.
Nigersaurus remains a testament to the incredible diversity of dinosaurs during the Mesozoic era. Its dental batteries, CT scans, and unique feeding adaptations make it a captivating subject for scientific study and public fascination. Next time you think of a cow, remember that the Mesozoic had its own version the remarkable Nigersaurus.