Nigersaurus (Lizard from Nigeria)

Basic facts

  • 30 feet (9m) length

  • Middle Cretaceous

  • Niger

  • Herbivore

Nigersaurus (Nigersaurus taqueti) is a genus of sauropodomorph dinosaur, belonging to the family Rebbachisauridae. It lived approximately 115 to 105 million years ago in what is now Niger, Africa. The first fossils of Nigersaurus were discovered in the 1960s, with subsequent excavations unearthing a wealth of well-preserved specimens that have greatly enhanced our understanding of this dinosaur.

Nigersaurus possessed a distinctively elongated and low skull, equipped with an array of tiny, peg-like teeth that were continuously replaced throughout its life. Its skull, measuring about 1.5 meters in length, was adapted for cropping vegetation close to the ground. Nigersaurus had a relatively short neck compared to other sauropodomorphs, with its overall body length estimated at around 9 to 12 meters. Its body was supported by a robust skeletal structure and ended with a long, slender tail.

The most notable feature of Nigersaurus is its feeding adaptations, which set it apart from other dinosaurs. Its specialized dentition and low skull allowed it to graze on low-lying vegetation, with its broad, square muzzle sweeping across the ground in a raking motion. The continuous replacement of its teeth ensured a steady supply of functional chewing surfaces, enabling efficient processing of plant material. This unique feeding strategy is a remarkable example of adaptive radiation within the sauropodomorph lineage.