Triassic Era Reptile Has Weaker Bite Than Previously Thought; Ancient Apex Predator Could Not Even Crunch a Bone

New research, detailed in the 'Anatomical Record,' reveals that the ancient apex predators from 230 million years ago possessed a bite strength significantly less potent than previously assumed. These predators likely could not effectively crush bones to fully consume their prey.

The study, titled "Functional Morphology of the Triassic Apex Predator Saurosuchus Galilei (Pseudosuchia: Loricata) And Convergence With a Post-Triassic Theropod Dinosaur," involves the reconstruction of Saurosuchus' original skull structure. This Late Triassic reptile, related to modern crocodiles, serves as the focus due to its historical significance.

Ancient Vs. Modern Apex Predators

Initially deemed an apex predator due to its substantial dimensions and dietary habits, Saurosuchus stood approximately 5-8 meters long and weighed over 250 kg.

The recent study examined Saurosuchus skulls and compared the more renowned dinosaur Allosaurus unveiling that, despite possessing comparable skull strengths, Saurosuchus had a considerably weaker bite compared to its succeeding dinosaur counterparts.

The estimated bite force of Saurosuchus, ranging from 1015 to 1885 N, aligns with that of modern gharial crocodiles. Meanwhile, Allosaurus exerts a bite force of 3,572 N, while saltwater crocodiles possess an approximate bite force of 16,000 N, and Tyrannosaurus rex showcases a range between 17,000 and 35,000 N.

Dr. Jordan Bestwick, a vertebrate paleobiologist at the University of Birmingham, revealed that Saurosuchus, despite its size and apex predator status, possessed a surprisingly weak bite compared to its massive dimensions. This contrasted with later dinosaurs' predation methods.

Saurosuchus's bite strength was similar to the modest bite of the gharial, far less potent than modern formidable crocodiles and alligators. This limited biting capability likely restricted Saurosuchus to consuming only the softer parts of its prey.

The study reveals that Saurosuchus likely consumed its prey with care, using its back teeth to extract flesh due to its weak bite and rectangular skull shape, as indicated by the study. This behavior differed from later dinosaurs and might be attributed to the thinner nose bones of these earlier reptiles compared to Allosaurus.

Dr. Stephan Lautenschlager, a senior author of the study, emphasized how the unique skull features of these apex predators influenced their eating behavior, suggesting that Saurosuchus may have left more complete carcasses for scavengers.

Co-author Molly Fawcett noted the surprising discovery that these Triassic predators had significantly weaker bite strength than later post-Triassic dinosaurs, despite their similar skull structures.

Other Facts About Saurosuchus

Although represented by incomplete remains, Saurosuchus is characterized by a sizable build and a skull with classic predatory features. Its skull, broader at the back and angled eyes, hints at strong biting muscles and depth perception, aiding in prey detection and precise strikes.

The predator likely employed varied tactics depending on the prey's size, potentially delivering immediate kills for smaller prey while weakening larger prey through bleeding before the final strike, possibly aided by powerful neck muscles to secure its grasp.

Saurosuchus replaces teeth throughout its life, adapting for constant tooth loss due to powerful attacks on struggling large prey. Similar to crocodiles and phytosaurs, the ancient apex predator exhibited pitted maxillae and snout as attachment points for tissues, albeit less developed.

Quadrupedal posture supported its size and weight, enabling it to climb and possibly defend against conspecifics, and osteoderm armor along its back could have provided protection during conflicts. Despite fragments found in the Chinle Formation, Saurosuchus' geographic distribution remains limited to Argentina without more complete material.

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