An illustration by Deinosuchus from the cover of the magazine. Credit: Illustration by Tyler Stone BA ’19, art and cinema; see his website https://tylerstoneart.wordpress.com
A new study, based on fossil specimens from the enormous crocodile, Deinosuchus, has confirmed that the beast had teeth “the size of bananas”, capable of taking down even the tallest dinosaurs.
And, it was not alone!
Deinosuchus swimmer (MMNS VP-256) skull. A, left lateral view. B, right lateral view. C, anterodorsal view demonstrating the unique orbital morphology and midline fur of the skull table. Scale bar is equal to 5 cm. Credit: Adam Cossette
The study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, also reveals several species of “terrorist crocodile.” Two types, rightly so Deinosuchus hatcheri en Deinosuchus riograndensis lived in western America, varying from Montana to northern Mexico. Other, Deinosuchus swimmeri, lived along the Atlantic coast from New Jersey to Mississippi. At that time, North America was cut in half by a shallow sea that extended from the Arctic Ocean to the south to the present Gulf of Mexico.
Rounding up to 33 feet in length Deinosuchusthough known to have been one of the greatest, if not the greatest, crocodile genus ever. It was the largest predator in its ecosystem, heavier than the largest predatory dinosaurs that lived next to it between 75 and 82 million years ago.
From previous studies on cranial remains and bite marks on fossil bones of dinosaurs, paleontologists have long speculated that the massive animals fought on dinosaurs.
Now this new study, led by Dr. Adam Cossette sheds new light on the monstrous creature and has further confirmed this Deinosuchus probably the hollow size and the crawling force of the beak had just that to do.
“Deinosuchus was a giant who must terrorize dinosaurs who came to the edge of the water to drink, ‘says Dr. Cossette, of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University. “Until now, the full animal was unknown. These new specimens we examined revealed a bizarre, monstrous predator with teeth the size of bananas. ”
C. Deinosuchus seems to have been an opportunistic predator, and given that it was so enormous, almost everything in its habitat was on the menu.
There are several examples of bite marks made by D. riograndensis and a species newly described in this study, D. schwimmeri, on turtles and dinosaur forests.
Despite the name of the genus, which means “terror crocodile”, they were actually more related to alligators. Due to its enormous skull, it still looked like an alligator or a crocodile. The snout was long and broad, but inflated at the front around the nose in a way not seen in another crocodile, alive or extinct. The reason for his enlarged nose is not known.
Deinosuchus riograndensis holotype specimen (AMNH 3073) anterior mandible. A, anterior mandible in dorsal view. B, anterior mandible in ventral view. C, left anterior mandibular ramus in lateral view. D, right anterior mandibular ramus in lateral view. E, left anterior mandibular ramus in medial view. F, right anterior mandibular ramus in medial view. Abbreviations: d, dentist; d1-d7, dental teeth corresponding to positions in the mandibular dental arcade; sp, spleen. Scale bar is equal to 5 cm. Credit: Adam Cossette
“It was a strange animal,” says co-author Professor Christopher Brochu, paleontologist, of the University of Iowa. ‘It shows that crocodiles are not’ living fossils’ that have not changed since the age of dinosaurs. They have evolved just as dynamically as any other group. ”
Deinosuchus disappeared before the main mass extinction at the end of the age of dinosaurs (Meozoic). The reason for his extinction remains unknown. From here, the authors request more studies to further understand Deinosuchus.
“It had two large holes present at the tip of the snout in front of the nose,” says Dr. Cossette.
“These holes are unique Deinosuchus and we do not know what they were for. Further research to finish will hopefully help us to unpick this mystery and we can learn more about this incredible creature. “
Reference: “A Systematic Review of the Giant Alligatoroid Deinosuchus from the Campanian of North America and its Implications for Crocodylia Root Relations” by Adam P. Cossette and Christopher A. Brochu, July 29, 2020, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
DOI: 10.1080 / 02724634.2020.1767638
