Newly Identified Triassic Herbivore Roamed Tanzania 240 Million Years Ago

Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of giant, tusked herbivore, named Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda, that inhabited what is now Tanzania approximately 240 million years ago. This creature, described as resembling a large pig with a turtle's beak and tusks, belonged to the dicynodont group, which were relatives of mammals.

Considered the dominant herbivore of its era, Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda is believed to have traveled in herds. Despite being a plant-eater, its formidable beak and tusks suggest it could defend itself effectively against predators. Fossils of the creature were initially discovered in Tanzania during the 1960s and have been housed at the Natural History Museum in London for over six decades before undergoing a comprehensive examination.

Analysis led by a team from the University of Bristol indicated that the animal was capable of delivering a powerful bite. While evidence on the tusks suggests they may have been used for foraging and digging up roots, researchers also propose they could have served for combat or defense.

This discovery holds significant implications for understanding the prehistoric timeline. Until now, the genus Dinodontosaurus had only been found in South America. The Tanzanian fossil-bearing rocks also contain remains previously thought to be among the earliest potential dinosaur fossils. However, the new findings suggest these rocks may be younger than previously estimated.

The presence of Dinodontosaurus in both Tanzania and South America allows researchers to correlate geological sequences in the two regions, confirming they are of equivalent age. Radiometric dating from South America indicates that dinosaur-bearing rock sequences there could be up to 10 million years younger than comparable rocks in South Africa. Consequently, the Tanzanian rocks can no longer be considered to preserve the oldest potential dinosaur fossils, necessitating a reassessment of when and where dinosaurs first evolved.

Lead author Hady George stated that this marks the first confirmed record of the Dinodontosaurus genus outside South America. He added that the finding connects the Tanzanian and South American fossil-bearing rocks, supporting the notion that the earliest dinosaur candidates from Tanzania are likely not older than those found in South America, thereby refining the timeline of dinosaur origins. Future research will focus on the remaining fossil material and explore the biomechanics and ecology of Triassic dicynodonts.