Why Did Nigersaurus Have 500 Teeth?
Introduction Nigersaurus' 500 teeth were an evolutionary adaptation that perfectly suited its feeding habits and environment. This large number of teeth, which were uniquely located within its jaws, enabled it to graze efficiently on vegetation close to the ground. Here's a closer look at how and why this dinosaur evolved such an unusual dental structure: 1. Tooth Structure and Arrangement Rows of teeth: Nigersaurus' rows of teeth were stacked in a tight formation. These teeth are what scientists call a "dental battery, " meaning that the teeth were lined up in adjacent rows along the dinosaur's wide, U-shaped jaw. Multiple rows: Nigersaurus had about 50 active teeth on each side of its jaw row but behind each active row were many replacement teeth, totaling about 500 teeth at any given time. This structure provided the dinosaur with a constant supply of new teeth throughout its life. Rapid tooth replacement: Unlike most other dinosaurs, Nigersaurus replace...