Evolution liked this skull so much it gave it to the T-Rex 120 million years or so later.

Evolution liked this skull so much it gave it to the T-Rex 120 million years or so later.

Originally shared by American Museum of Natural History

Some of the Triassic period’s (251 - 199 million years ago) most formidable threats were not dinosaurs, but animals more closely related to crocodiles. In 2010, paleontologists discovered a nearly complete skeleton of Prestosuchus chiniquensis in Brazil, which offered additional insight into the lives of these apex predators. Paleontologists found the fossil in a sedimentary rock formation that was a lake millions of years ago. At around 20 feet long and 900 pounds, Prestosuchus had a deep skull, serrated teeth, and a long tail. Paleontologists think that the animal may have been preying on herbivores who’d come to the water to drink.

Want to assemble a life-sized cast skeleton of Prestosuchus? Visit the Museum’s Discovery Room: https://goo.gl/5PGJZp