Berthasaura leopoldinae

† Berthasaura leopoldinae was an Early Cretaceous ceratosaurian theropod from the Goio-Erê Formation of Paraná State, Brazil. Uniquely, this carnivore completely lacked teeth, possessing instead a keratinous beak, an unexpected feature for an abelisauroid. Named in honor of Princess Leopoldina of Brazil, it suggests greater dietary diversity among ceratosaurs than previously recognized.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Berthasaura leopoldinae was a meat-eating predator. Carnivorous dinosaurs were active hunters or scavengers, equipped with sharp teeth and claws for catching and consuming prey. They occupied the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

Time Period

Cretaceous Early Mesozoic Era

Berthasaura leopoldinae lived during the Cretaceous Early period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 145.0 to 100.5 million years ago.

The Cretaceous saw continued dinosaur evolution with the rise of ornithopods and early ceratopsians. Flowering plants first appeared and began to transform terrestrial ecosystems. Spinosaurus and other large theropods lived during this time.