The researchers explain that adults of this species could exceed two meters in length and had highly specialized teeth for eating vegetation.
A specimen of Macrocephalosaurus mariensis, considered the smallest newborn of a rhynchosaur species ever discovered, was described in detail in the scientific journal after being found in southern Brazil.
With a skull that measures less than 2.5 centimeters in length, the paleontologist at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Jossano Rosso Morais, stated that there are few records of specimens of this species that are so small and so young.
“In addition to providing more information about this specific species, this will also provide information for the entire group”, explained the paleontologist.
Flávio Pretto, also a paleontologist at the same university, highlighted that the team subjected the fossil to microcomputed tomography.
“Jossano cleaned the images and created the models, which allowed us to separate the bones and analyze, especially, the part where the bones were located. animal’s teeth”, added Pretto.
According to the study, among Brazilian rhynchosaurs, only the species Macrocephalosaurus mariensis simultaneously has a single maxillary groove, two rows of teeth in the jaw and an open infraorbital foramen.
Analysis of the fossil using microcomputed tomography revealed teeth without signs of wear, which indicates that the animal died shortly after birth.
The researchers explain that adults of this species could exceed two meters in length and had highly specialized teeth for eating vegetation. However, this adaptation caused significant wear and tear, with the teeth of adult specimens often becoming completely worn out.
