Researchers have described a new family of extinct crocodyliforms based on the fossilized remains of a single teenage croc named Elton, discovered in the Blackleaf Formation in Montana.
Why it matters: The discovery of Elton, a member of the newly identified species Thikarisuchus xenodentes, reveals the existence of a previously unknown family of crocodyliforms that lived in North America during the Cretaceous period, offering new insights into the diversity and evolution of these ancient creatures.
The details:
- Elton, measuring about 2 feet long from nose to tail tip, lived around 95 million years ago along the shores of the Western Interior Seaway in what is now southwest Montana.
- Unlike typical neosuchians, which are semi-aquatic or marine carnivores with simple, conical teeth, Elton and his species had an assortment of differently shaped teeth, including sheathed and specialized fangs, likely used to consume plants and insects.
- The densely packed bones of Elton’s skeleton suggest a burrowing lifestyle, indicating that these crocodyliforms lived on land.
- Researchers collaborated to digitally reconstruct Elton’s skeleton using CT scans, distinguishing between bones and rock fragments.
The study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, also noted similarities between the newly discovered family Wannchampsidae and the Eurasian family Atopasauridae, suggesting convergent evolution due to similar environmental conditions and prey availability during the same time period.
What they’re saying:
- “It has so much visible anatomy to explore, and it was a tiny, tiny croc skull, fully articulated and preserved — it was a special thing,” said lead author Harrison Allen, a doctoral student in paleontology at Stony Brook University.
- “Harrison worked super hard to digitally reconstruct the animal, and it came out beautifully,” said David Varricchio, a professor of paleobiology at Montana State University.
The big picture: This discovery highlights the diversity of crocodyliforms in the past, which included fully marine and terrestrial species, herbivores, omnivores, and some that cracked shells, showcasing the remarkable adaptability and evolutionary history of these ancient creatures.
