**Smok wawelski: The Dragon of the Triassic**
Smok wawelski, known simply as Smok, is an extinct species of large reptile that lived during the Late Triassic period, around 208.5 to 205 million years ago. Its remains were found in Lisowice, Poland.
The name “Smok” means “dragon” in Polish, and it refers to a creature from Polish folklore known as the Wawel Dragon.
**Features of Smok**
Smok was estimated to be 5 to 6 meters long, making it one of the largest carnivorous reptiles in central Europe at that time. Its skull measured between 50 to 60 centimeters long.
It had sharp, serrated teeth and several unique features that show Smok belonged to a group of reptiles called archosaurs, which includes modern birds and crocodiles.
Some interesting characteristics of Smok include:
– A special hole in the skull in front of the eye called the antorbital fenestra.
– A unique shape of the bones in its skull and hip.
– Several traits that are similar to both dinosaurs and crocodiles, making it hard to classify.
**Discovery of Smok**
The first parts of Smok were discovered in 2007, with more fossils found in the following years. At first, it was thought to be a type of dinosaur, but further studies suggested it could also be closely related to other ancient reptiles.
Scientists named Smok in 2012, after the Wawel Dragon from Polish tales, since the discovery site was close to a famous cave associated with the story.
**The Environment of Smok**
Smok was a top predator in its ecosystem, meaning it was one of the largest hunters around. It shared its environment with smaller carnivores and large herbivores, creatures that only ate plants.
**Diet and Lifestyle**
Research on coprolites, which are fossilized poop, shows that Smok had a diverse diet. It could crush bones and likely fed on a variety of animals, including fish and herbivorous reptiles.
The study of these remains revealed that Smok’s diet changed based on what was available, a survival strategy seen in modern predators today.
In summary, Smok wawelski was an impressive predator of its time, and its discovery helps us understand the variety of life that existed millions of years ago. Its unique features and the mystery surrounding its classification continue to fascinate scientists.