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Ancient Crocodile Cousin Hunted on Land
16 Apr
Summary
- An ancient crocodile relative discovered in a museum basement.
- This species hunted on land with reinforced skulls and powerful jaws.
- Fossils date back to the Late Triassic period, 237 to 201 million years ago.
Experts have identified an ancient relative of crocodiles that utilized land for hunting. This newly discovered species, named Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa, existed between 237 and 201 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. Unlike its aquatic cousins, this predator was terrestrial, possessing a reinforced skull and expanded jaw muscles ideal for capturing prey on land.
The fossils of Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa were initially unearthed in New Mexico in 1948. They remained in the basement of the Peabody Museum for approximately 75 years, misidentified as another reptile until recent closer examination. This discovery sheds light on the diverse predatory ecosystems of the Late Triassic, where early dinosaurs and crocodylomorphs vied for dominance.
