114 million-year-old fossils reveal new 'super beasts'

Paleontologists on October 9 announced the discovery of a top predatory dinosaur from the Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous period.

Image reconstructing the species Siamraptor suwati.(Photo: Courthouse News).

The skull and remains of a previously unknown giant carnivorous dinosaur have been found in the Khok Kruat rock formations in northeastern Thailand. The new species, named Siamraptor suwati , was a predator that stood at the top of the food chain before the tyrant dinosaurs appeared.

Siamraptor suwati has been identified as the Subspecial Dinosaur. Genetic analyzes suggest that they are a basic member of the Allizardoid predatory dinosaur group, also known as Carcharodontizard , which represents an early evolutionary division from the rest of the group.

Siamraptor suwati dinosaur skull.(Photo: Phys).

Based on the size of the skull and the bones found, scientists estimate S. suwati has a body length of nearly 8m with sharp teeth like a shark. They are agile predators thanks to the lightweight bone structure with many air pockets inside. Besides, the lightweight rib cage also allows them to breathe faster and thus can run faster.

Scientists have previously found Cararodontizard species in the Americas, Africa and Europe but this is the first fossil discovered in Southeast Asia, showing their widespread distribution around the world. The study, conducted by scientists from Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University led by Duangsuda Chokchaloemwong, was published in PLOS One .