Tyrannosaurus also cannibalism

Scientists believe that carnivorous dinosaurs that dominated the planet 150 million years ago may have resorted to cannibalism when food was scarce.

A new study shows that predators from the late Jurassic period, such as the tyrant dinosaur Allosaurus , may have been scavengers rather than actively hunting when they became predators. different from the same species.

The findings, published in Plos One, based on an analysis of more than 2,000 bone fragments found at the Mygatt-Moor Quarry in western Colorado, USA, is a vibrant archaeological site, which has brought about many fossils, mostly dinosaur fossils.

When food is scarce, tyrant dinosaurs also attack their fellow humans.

A team of researchers led by Stephanie Drumheller, from Tennesee University, examined tooth marks on fossil bones, and scientists thought that the trace could provide 'great evidence of eating habits. ancient times'.

From this quarry, they found 684 specimens with at least one bite from two-legged carnivorous dinosaurs, and scientists believe it was the Allosaurus tyrant dinosaur group.

The scientists said the observed bites included several types of bites, cuts, grooves, pits, and longitudinal incisions. Most of these bites are found on the bones of plant-eating dinosaurs.

However, the researchers also discovered tooth marks created by carnivorous dinosaurs on the bones of other carnivorous dinosaurs, accounting for 17% of the bites. About half of these bites target less nutritious body parts, suggesting that it is the action of predators and may be the result of a stressed ecosystem.

According to scientists, these findings show the first evidence of cannibalism of Allosaurus group of cannibals.

Dr Drumheller explained: large carnivorous dinosaurs like Allosaurus are probably not very picky eaters, especially if their environment is limited in resources. Certainly scavengers and even cannibalism are enough for them to overcome difficulties.