Title: New Archaeological Study Uncovers Fossil of Apex Predator Predating Dinosaurs
By Alex Mitchell
Published Sep. 12, 2023, 6:13 p.m. ET
A recent archeological study has unearthed compelling evidence about the ancient apex predators that once roamed the Earth, ruling the land before the dinosaurs. These ferocious carnivores, believed to be the largest and most bloodthirsty meat eaters of their time, existed a staggering 40 million years before the reign of dinosaurs.
In the remote rural region of São Gabriel, Brazil, researchers have uncovered a nearly complete fossilized skull of the Pampaphoneus biccai, estimated to be 265 million years old. The discovery sheds light on the immense size and terrifying nature of these prehistoric beasts. “This animal was a gnarly-looking beast, and it must have evoked sheer dread in anything that crossed its path,” stated Stephanie E. Pierce, one of the scientists involved in the study.
The finding of the Pampaphoneus biccai skull is a significant breakthrough as it provides insight into the community structure of terrestrial ecosystems just prior to the largest mass extinction event in Earth’s history. The species lived during a time when 86% of all animal species were wiped out by a catastrophic asteroid impact in what is now the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, 66 million years ago.
The Pampaphoneus biccai is classified as a dinocephalian, a group of ancient predecessors to mammals belonging to the therapsid family. These creatures were known to be large, with some reaching sizes of up to 10 feet in length and weighing about 882 pounds. The study also revealed that among these formidable predators, there were also herbivores.
Comparing the ecological role of the Pampaphoneus biccai to modern big cats, Felipe Pinheiro, a senior study author, stated, “It was the largest terrestrial predator we know of from the Permian in South America. The animal had large, sharp canine teeth adapted for capturing prey. Its dentition and cranial architecture suggest that its bite was strong enough to chew bones, much like modern-day hyenas.”
The discovery of a nearly complete Pampaphoneus biccai skull in Brazil is a significant find, especially as only one skull of this species had been found in South America prior to this study. The skull provides invaluable information about these ancient creatures and their physical characteristics, including their thick cranial bones, which inspired their name “dinocephalian,” meaning “terrible head” in Greek.
This archeological study offers a glimpse into Earth’s evolutionary history and the intricate web of life that existed long before the age of dinosaurs. Further research and discoveries in the field of paleontology continue to unlock the secrets of our planet’s past, allowing us to better understand the complex and fascinating world that preceded our own.