Ancient fossil uncovers formidable crocodile relative boasting jaws potent enough to prey on dinosaurs
In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists Sterling J. Nesbitt and Hans-Dieter Sues unearthed the fossil of a formidable prehistoric reptile named Kostensuchus atrox in Argentina. This colossal creature, estimated to grow up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) long and weigh about 250 kilograms (551 pounds), was a dominant figure in its ecosystem during the late Cretaceous period.
The fossil, which is one of the best-preserved peirosaurid crocodyliforms ever found, comes from the Chorrillo Formation in southern Patagonia. Formed approximately 70 million years ago during the Maastrichtian age, this region was warm and seasonally humid, with vast freshwater floodplains.
The presence of Kostensuchus atrox in the Chorrillo Formation broadens our understanding of life in these floodplains and shows how crocodyliforms played an important role alongside dinosaurs. Its skull, largely intact, reveals wide jaws lined with large, sharp teeth, suggesting it was a formidable predator.
The name Kostensuchus atrox holds significant meaning. In the Tehuelche native language, it translates to "Patagonian wind" and "crocodile-headed god." In Latin, it means "fierce" or "harsh," perfectly encapsulating the awe-inspiring nature of this ancient creature.
The discovery of Kostensuchus atrox is the first crocodyliform found in the Chorrillo Formation. This finding places it among the top hunters of its ecosystem, suggesting a more complex food chain than previously imagined for the region during the late Cretaceous.
Many peirosaurids, the group to which Kostensuchus atrox belongs, were adapted to life on land as well as in water, making them versatile predators. The discovery of this formidable creature helps answer questions about how ancient reptiles evolved, how they hunted, and how they interacted with other species.
The discovery of Kostensuchus atrox was described in the journal PLOS One, providing a detailed account of this fascinating find. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our prehistoric past, discoveries like these offer valuable insights into the diversity and complexity of life during the age of dinosaurs.
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