Toothy killer 185m years before T-Rex

FANGS The Gorgonopsian

A TERRIFYING beast with huge fangs ruled Earth more than 185 million years before T- Rex, according to research.

Named Gorgonopsian, the nimble killer was armed with saw-like teeth that ripped prey to shreds.

The 10ft-long mammal roamed Earth around 270 million years ago.

Analysis of its kind has found its teeth were made of enamel and dentine – just like those of T-Rex.

The tissue was believed unique to the most iconic meat eaters on the planet, the therapod dinosaurs.

Dr Megan Whitney, of the Unive r s i ty of Washington, said: “Our study reveals this carnivorous specialisation not only started before the rise of dinosaurs, but in a forerunner of mammals.”