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Newly Discovered Dyrosaurid Reveals Ancient Marine Predator Evolution

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Paleontologists in Egypt's Western Desert identified a new dyrosaurid species, Wadisuchus kassabi, dating to about 80 million years ago.
Two partial skulls and three jaws support the identification of Wadisuchus kassabi.
Wadisuchus kassabi had a long snout and sharp teeth adapted for marine hunting.
The findings imply dyrosaurids originated in North Africa and diversified earlier than previously believed, during the Early Coniacian-Santonian period.

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Story summary

Paleontologists in Egypt's Western Desert identified a new dyrosaurid species, Wadisuchus kassabi, dating to about 80 million years ago.
Two partial skulls and three jaws support the identification of Wadisuchus kassabi.
Wadisuchus kassabi had a long snout and sharp teeth adapted for marine hunting.
The findings imply dyrosaurids originated in North Africa and diversified earlier than previously believed, during the Early Coniacian-Santonian period.