Buzz
A recent analysis of the Whatcheeria monster with numerous comedic skeletal parts once appeared on American soil has led paleontologists to dub it the extraordinary superpredator.
A study just published in the scientific journal Communications Biology, conducted by the University of Chicago (a research university in Illinois) and the Field Museum (USA), has 'upgraded' the danger level of this intriguing Whatcheeria monster.
Whatcheeria is most renowned for its terrifying fossilized head unearthed from Iowa, estimated to be 340 million years old, belonging to the Carboniferous period. Following the Carboniferous period are the Permian, Triassic (when primitive dinosaurs emerged), Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods (the golden age of the tyrannical T-rex dinosaurs).
Thus, this dinosaur-like creature predates T-rex by a significant margin, yet like T-rex, it is the ruler of the ancient monster world.
It is smaller than T-rex with a body shape resembling a crocodile, capable of fitting into a bathtub if curled up. However, recent research indicates one factor that makes it significantly more dangerous: Its rapid growth rate as a juvenile.
Dr. Ben Otoo, co-author of the study, contrasts ancient Whatcheeria with modern reptiles, emphasizing their rapid attainment of 'monster' status in early life, unlike the slow and steady growth of present-day reptiles.
Recent research also reveals grooves in the skull, suggesting an aquatic lifestyle for Whatcheeria. Its robust leg bones enabled it to retract and patiently await passing prey.
'Perhaps it spent much of its time near river and lake bottoms, lunging out and consuming whatever it pleased. You could certainly call this the T-rex of its era,' quoted SciTech Daily, citing Dr. Otoo.
Although resembling a giant salamander, Whatcheeria is entirely distinct from this group, belonging instead to the lineage that ultimately evolved into four-limbed animals, including humans.
Dr. Ken Angielczyk, also affiliated with the Field Museum and co-author of the study, concludes: 'That means it could help us understand the evolution of four-legged animals - including ourselves.'
