Groundbreaking research published today has unearthed fossils of megalodons, a type of large carnivorous dinosaur, and carcharodontosaurs, a group of massive meat-eaters, along Victoria’s coastline. The discovery in Australia has rewritten the evolutionary history of theropod dinosaurs, revealing a predator hierarchy unique to Cretaceous Australia.
Five theropod fossils were discovered in two locations: the upper Strzelecki Group and the Eumeralla Formation, both dating back around 121-108 million years ago. These ancient creatures were massive, with megalodons reaching lengths of up to 6-7 meters and carcharodontosaurs standing at 2-4 meters tall.
The research team, led by Monash University PhD student Jake Kotevski, has shed new light on Victoria’s ancient ecosystem. Contrary to what was previously thought in South America, where these dinosaurs reached enormous sizes, the roles were reversed in Australia. The megalodons dominated as apex predators, while carcharodontosaurs took a lower position in the food chain.
This discovery is significant not only for its implications on our understanding of theropod evolution but also for the role it plays in challenging previous assumptions about body-size hierarchies in Gondwanan ecosystems. The findings have far-reaching consequences for the scientific community, highlighting the importance of museum collections and collaborative research efforts.
By examining specimens preserved for decades, researchers have uncovered a rich tapestry of ancient life. From senior curator Dr Thomas Rich to collection manager Tim Ziegler, and now PhD student Jake Kotevski, this study demonstrates the collective efforts of scientists working together to advance our knowledge of prehistoric life. The team’s findings also underscore the significance of community contributions, as highlighted by volunteer Melissa Lowery, who first identified three of the fossils discovered between 2022 and 2023.
This research is a testament to the power of collaboration and advances the understanding of Victoria’s Cretaceous past. As the Dinosaur Dreaming project continues to explore key fossil sites, new avenues of investigation are opened up, leading to further discoveries such as over 10,000 fossil bones and teeth since its inception.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074172