Carcharodontosaurus and Spinosaurus
How were two large theropod dinosaurs able to coexist with each other at the same time and the same place? The answer lies in their teeth!
Both Carcharodontosaurus and Spinosaurus lived in what is now North Africa 95 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Both of these theropods were massive. Carcharodontosaurus was 43 feet in length, and Spinosaurus could reach lengths of up to 49 feet. Both were longer than Tyrannosaurus rex. Despite the fact they were both massive theropods, their teeth tell us that they were eating different things in their environment.
Carcharodontosaurus has very typical teeth for a theropod. They’re flat with a long line of ridges running along the edge. These are adaptations that help it slice and cut through the meat of other dinosaurs.
Spinosaurus, on the other hand, have long, conical teeth with fluted enamel running along the side. These are adaptations for hunting freshwater prey like fish.
By occupying two different niches in their environment, these two dinosaurs were able to coexist with each other peacefully (at least most of the time).
If you want to learn more about meat eating dinosaurs, come check us out at Tyrannostorus!