In Canada, scientists encountered a rare find that could “reopen” the history of animal evolution. In the province of Nova Scotia, the skull of an ancient creature that lived about 307 million years ago was identified. Specialists evaluate this as one of the earliest plant-eating vertebrates that lived on land.
The found creature was named Tyrannoroter heberti. Interestingly, although in appearance it resembles reptiles, scientists classify it as belonging to the group of microsaurs. According to researchers’ estimates, the animal’s length was about 30.5 centimeters — it can be imagined with an appearance close to modern lizards.
The most important aspect is its feeding style. Scientists studied the tooth system using micro-computed tomography and determined that Tyrannoroter heberti had a developed chewing mechanism. This shows that already at that time organisms began to appear that were adapted to efficiently chew and digest plants.
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