What are "drop crocs"?

The "drop crocs" were a species of prehistoric mekosuchine crocodiles that dominated Australian waters 55 million years ago. These ancient reptiles could grow up to 16 feet long and hunted prey by dropping down on them from trees, similar to the legendary "drop bear" of Australian folklore.

Where were the mekosuchine crocodile eggshells discovered?

The eggshell fragments were unearthed in a backyard in southeast Queensland, Australia, by a team of international scientists led by the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont in Barcelona.

How do the eggshells help scientists understand the mekosuchine crocodiles?

The ancient crocodile eggshells are providing valuable insights into the anatomy, reproduction patterns, and adaptability of these prehistoric reptiles. The microstructural and geochemical signals preserved in the fossils are helping researchers learn more about the mekosuchine crocs' nesting habits and breeding behaviors.

Home / Science / Prehistoric "Drop Crocs" Discovered in Australia's Backyard

Prehistoric "Drop Crocs" Discovered in Australia's Backyard

13 Nov

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Summary

Australia's oldest known crocodile eggshells discovered
Mekosuchine crocodiles, prehistoric creatures that hunted from trees
Eggshells provide insights into ancient reptiles' anatomy and behavior

Prehistoric "Drop Crocs" Discovered in Australia's Backyard

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have unearthed Australia's oldest known crocodile eggshells, shedding new light on the prehistoric mekosuchine crocodiles that once roamed the continent. These ancient reptiles, which dominated Australian waters 55 million years ago, were a far cry from the saltwater and freshwater crocs that arrived much later, around 3.8 million years ago.

The mekosuchine crocodiles were a unique breed, capable of growing up to 16 feet long and exhibiting some truly remarkable hunting behaviors. According to paleontologist Michael Archer, these "drop crocs" would have hunted their prey by dropping down on them from the trees, much like the legendary "drop bear" of Australian folklore. This bizarre hunting strategy is just one of the many intriguing insights the newly discovered eggshells are providing into the anatomy and adaptability of these prehistoric creatures.