Ancient Reptile’s Peculiar Jaw Unlocks Secrets of a Prehistoric World
The Late Triassic reptile Threordatoth chasmatos, unearthed in England, reveals unique jaw and tooth adaptations unseen in its relatives. These findings shed light on its specialized diet and survival during a time of dramatic climate shifts.
In a discovery from Cromhall Quarry in southwest England, paleontologists have uncovered fossilized remains of Threordatoth chasmatos, a small Late Triassic reptile with jaw and tooth features unlike any of its relatives. This remarkable specimen provides fresh insights into evolutionary adaptability during an era marked by climatic upheaval.
Published in Papers in Palaeontology, the research found the reptile’s upper jaw boasts tricuspid teeth — each with three distinct points — while its lower jaw features monocuspid teeth and an unusual toothless tip. These adaptations suggest a unique feeding strategy tailored to plants, insects, or other small prey.
What sets Threordatoth chasmatos apart is its flexible lower jaw, connected by soft tissue rather than fused bone. This feature likely aided food processing, resembling chewing mechanisms seen in mammals. Living during a period of lower solar irradiance and elevated carbon dioxide levels, this reptile faced a hotter, wetter world as the supercontinent Pangea fractured. Its specialized adaptations highlight how ancient species thrived in changing ecosystems — offering potential lessons for today’s planetary challenges.
The discovery of Threordatoth chasmatos underscores the importance of studying prehistoric life to better understand resilience and survival in the face of environmental change. Click here to read more.
