Among the large predatory dinosaurs that dominated ancient ecosystems was Carcharodontosaurus, a colossal hunter that roamed the prehistoric landscapes of what is now North Africa. This dinosaur offers a window into a past world where giants walked the Earth.
Unveiling Carcharodontosaurus
The name Carcharodontosaurus means “shark-toothed lizard” in Ancient Greek, reflecting its distinctive teeth, which resembled those of the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). German paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach collected the first fossil evidence, consisting of teeth and bone fragments, in Egypt in the early 20th century. These initial specimens were tragically destroyed during World War II.
In 1925, French paleontologists Charles Depéret and Justin Savornin described two teeth from Algeria, initially classifying them as Megalosaurus saharicus. However, Stromer established the new genus Carcharodontosaurus in 1931, based on a partial skeleton from Egypt. A 1995 discovery by American paleontologist Paul Sereno and his team in Morocco’s Kem Kem region helped clarify the species. Another species, Carcharodontosaurus iguidensis, was described in 2009 from fossils found in Niger, distinguished by skull structure.
Carcharodontosaurus thrived approximately 100 to 93 million years ago, during the Cenomanian age of the Late Cretaceous period. It is classified as a large theropod dinosaur, belonging to the order Saurischia (“lizard-hipped” dinosaurs), and specifically within the family Carcharodontosauridae.
Defining Features
Carcharodontosaurus was among the largest terrestrial carnivores. It is estimated to have reached lengths of up to 13.7 meters (45 feet) and weighed 6 to 8 metric tons. Its skull alone measured between 1.6 to 1.75 meters (5.2 to 5.7 feet) long.
Its powerful skull featured approximately 60 teeth, each up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. These teeth were serrated and blade-like, adapted for slicing and ripping through flesh rather than crushing bone. This dental structure suggests a feeding strategy focused on inflicting severe wounds to incapacitate prey.
Carcharodontosaurus was a bipedal dinosaur, moving on its two powerful hind limbs. Its forelimbs were relatively short and strong, similar to those seen in other large theropods. The brain cavity indicates a relatively smaller brain compared to some other large carnivores.
Ancient Predator’s World
Carcharodontosaurus inhabited the lush, moist environments of ancient North Africa, including regions that are now Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Niger, and Egypt. This prehistoric landscape featured extensive river systems, floodplains, and potentially swampy areas, supporting a diverse array of life.
As an apex predator, Carcharodontosaurus was a carnivore, primarily preying on large herbivorous dinosaurs, such as sauropods, that shared its habitat. Its specialized teeth were highly effective for tearing into the flesh of its victims. While it primarily hunted, it might also have scavenged when opportunities arose.
The hunting strategies of Carcharodontosaurus likely involved ambush tactics, utilizing its immense size and powerful bite to bring down prey. Rather than relying on speed for prolonged chases, it would have used its slicing teeth to inflict massive, debilitating wounds. Some evidence even suggests that these dinosaurs may have hunted in groups, which would have allowed them to tackle even larger prey more effectively.
Its ecosystem included other giant dinosaurs, such as the even larger semi-aquatic Spinosaurus, which also hunted in the same areas, creating a complex web of interactions among the largest creatures of the Late Cretaceous.