The giant reptile that ate dinosaurs: Its scientific name literally means “terror crocodile”
Researchers say Dinosaurs could have been the prey of the “terror crocodile” which could reach more than 20 feet in length.
Today, the stuff of nightmares, but millions of years ago, a crocodile more than 26 feet long walked (and swam) on Earth.
The “terror crocodile,” or Deinosuchus, is related to the crocodile that is alive today, but died out around 75 million years ago. Deinosuchus forms part of the Crocodilia order of scientific classification, which also houses crocodiles and alligators.
What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?
The two animals are very similar, but some differences in appearance and habitat differentiate the two reptiles. Britannica wrote in a blog post that crocodiles tend to stick to saltwater environments, while alligators favor freshwater environments. Although they have similar body shapes, crocodiles have a V-shaped snout, whereas alligators have a U-shaped snout. Color is another distinguishing factor, with crocodiles typically green or tan, while alligators are grey or black.
Florida residents may be familiar with the American aligator which thrives in the state's waters.
The terror crocodile’s modern relatives
The “terror crocodile,” Deinosuchus, has made headlines following a new article in Communications Biology that sheds light on its evolutionary relationships and ecological adaptations.
Previous research, which focused on Deinosuchus fossils found in North America, particularly in Appalachia, led many experts to believe it was closely related to modern alligators. However, new evidence reveals that Deinosuchumegafauna
The study suggests that Deinosuchus and its relatives were able to swim through saltwater, allowing them to travel greater distances. This saltwater tolerance links Deinosuchus more closely to crocodiles, which are known for their ability to inhabit both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. Additionally, the research highlights that the gigantism observed in Deinosuchus was likely influenced by the “high-productivity aquatic ecosystems,” explain the researchers, meaning that the conditions, particularly when it comes to prey, supported the ability of the reptiles to grow to such enormous sizes. The findings that the environment supported gigantism are critical, as many other theories have focused on the evolutionary time periods, which supported the presence of megafauna beyond just reptiles.
What sort of prey could support a crocodile over 20 feet? Dinosaurs, which also roamed the planet with the Deinosuchus and were sometimes on the menu. “Bite mark evidence suggests their diet even included a large dinosaur,” reported the research team in their recent article.
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