When you think of dinosaurs, sharp teeth and fierce predators like T. rex might come to mind, but not all dinosaurs were built for hunting. In fact, some of them had specialised features for feeding on plants and one of the most fascinating examples of this is Nigersaurus taqueti. Popularly known as the, 'Mesozoic Cow,' this dinosaur isn’t just known for its unique appearance, but also for its jaw-dropping number of teeth—over 500 teeth! Yes, you read that right. Let's learn a little more about this unorthodox herbivore. Chicxulub, the Asteroid That Killed the Dinosaurs Was Not Alone, Scientists Uncover Shocking Details Over the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinct.

Nigersaurus Taqueti

Nigersaurus taqueti was a relatively small, plant-eating dinosaur that lived around 110 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. It roamed what is now modern-day Niger and its fossils were discovered in the Sahara Desert. This dinosaur is often referred to as a "muzzle dinosaur" due to its wide, flat snout, which was unlike many other herbivorous dinosaurs. Dinosaurs Thrived Amid Ice, Not Warmth, Says Study of Ancient Mass Extinction.

A Jaw Full of Teeth

Nigersaurus was no ordinary plant eater. Its mouth was packed with an astonishing 500 teeth—a truly remarkable feature for a dinosaur. These teeth were not only numerous but were also specially designed for its diet. Its jaws were lined with tiny, needle-like teeth that helped it strip the leaves off plants with precision. The teeth were continuously replaced at a rapid rate, about every 14 days! This allowed Nigersaurus to always have a fresh set of teeth for feeding.

Feeding Adaptations

What makes Nigersaurus even more intriguing is the way it fed. Its skull was highly specialized with large fenestrae (openings in the skull) and thin bones, making it lightweight and efficient for feeding on low-lying plants. Its wide muzzle, along with the 500 teeth, allowed it to sweep through vegetation, eating plants close to the ground. It's thought that Nigersaurus may have had a keratinous sheath over its teeth, similar to modern animals like alligators or crocodiles, providing additional durability for its feeding habits.

How Did It Use Its Teeth?

The 500 teeth of Nigersaurus were designed for efficiency rather than brutality. These teeth weren’t meant for biting or chewing tough meat; instead, they helped the dinosaur efficiently graze on low-lying ferns, cycads, and other plants. Its feeding style was very similar to that of modern-day herbivores, which graze continuously throughout the day.

Nigersaurus taqueti may not have been as fearsome as some of its carnivorous counterparts, but it certainly stood out in the dinosaur world. Its jaw packed with 500 teeth, rapid tooth replacement, and specialized feeding adaptations make it one of the most interesting herbivores to ever walk the Earth. This dinosaur proves that sometimes, being equipped with an efficient set of teeth is all you need to thrive in the ancient world!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2025 09:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).