The fossil record reveals how ancient species developed unique features to thrive. Dinosaurs evolved diverse forms and specialized characteristics. One creature stands out for its extraordinary oral structure, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for a dinosaur’s feeding.
The Dinosaur with 500 Teeth
The dinosaur known for possessing an exceptional number of teeth is Nigersaurus taqueti. This herbivorous sauropod was relatively small for its kind. Its remains were first discovered and described in Niger, Africa, the origin of its name. The species name honors French paleontologist Philippe Taquet.
Adult Nigersaurus measured approximately 9 meters (30 feet) in length and weighed between 1.9 and 4 tons, comparable to a modern elephant. Its most distinguishing feature was its wide, straight-edged muzzle, which housed more than 500 teeth. Its numerous teeth were arranged in a highly specialized system for efficient vegetation processing.
Unpacking Its Unique Dentition
The dental setup of Nigersaurus is described as a “dental battery.” Each active tooth had a column of up to nine replacement teeth stacked beneath it within the jaw. This continuous supply ensured that as one tooth wore down, another was ready to emerge. The replacement rate for each tooth was exceptionally rapid, occurring approximately every 14 days, the fastest known among all dinosaurs.
This constant and swift tooth replacement was essential because Nigersaurus likely grazed on abrasive low-lying plants. The teeth were positioned at the front of its broad muzzle, forming a shovel-like or vacuum-cleaner-like structure. This arrangement, with asymmetrical enamel, suggests a specialized cropping action rather than extensive chewing. All teeth within a dental battery would erupt in unison, providing a consistently sharp edge for feeding.
Life and Times of This Dinosaur
Nigersaurus taqueti lived during the Early Cretaceous period, roughly 115 to 105 million years ago. Its habitat was in what is now the Sahara Desert in North Africa, though at that time, the region was a lush environment with abundant rivers and vegetation. This riparian zone provided ample low-lying plants like ferns, horsetails, and early flowering plants, which formed its bulk diet. Grass had not yet evolved during this period, so it was not part of the Nigersaurus’ diet.
The relatively short neck of Nigersaurus indicates its specialization for ground-level grazing. Paleontologists suggest its head was held downwards, allowing its wide muzzle to efficiently sweep across the terrain like a “Mesozoic cow” or “lawnmower,” gathering soft plant material. This adaptation enabled Nigersaurus to occupy a distinct ecological niche, thriving alongside other large herbivores and predatory dinosaurs.