Rhynchosaur skull
Department of Earth Sciences’ Geology Museum
This is the nearly complete fossil skull of a rhynchosaur, a group of terrestrial, herbivorous reptiles that were abundant in Triassic times (approximately 200 – 250 million years ago). The upper jaw extends forwards into a beak, whilst the deep lower jaw closes within it. With their broad tooth plates and powerful jaw muscles, rhynchosaurs could probably deal with quite tough plant material. Recently recognised as belonging to a new genus, Fodonyx, this skull came from the Otter Sandstone Formation and was found near Sidmouth in Devon in 1999.
- Item reference: BRSUG 27200
- Photographer: Simon Powell
- Copyright: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol
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