Brazilian Paleontologists Finds Prehistoric Crocodile
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Brazilian paleontologists have found fossil of new marine crocodile species in Brazil. Paleontologists consider it to be “missing link” between present day and prehistoric crocodiles. The fossil so found belongs to late Cretaceous period approximately 80-85 million years ago. The fossil was found in Palo Alto region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil.
The prehistoric sea predator is called as Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi. It measured around 56-64 inches and weighed approximately 88 pounds. Paleontologist Felipe de Vasconcellos, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro said:”the physical characteristics placed it between the prehistoric crocodiles and their current descendants.”
According to the paleontologist this giant prehistoric crocodile lived on dry land instead of spending most of its time under water. Moreover the prehistoric crocodile was quick on its feet. Vasconcellos said: “Its nostrils were at the front (of its snout). If it went in the water it had to keep its head erect making it an easy target for other predators. Its eyes were placed laterally, like other land-walking animals.”
Hence the above mentioned characteristics of Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi made it the “missing link” of crocodiles. Earlier it was considered that the originating place of crocodiles was northern hemisphere where there were no fossils record of intermediate species was found. Hence with this discovery paleontologist have to revise the originating place of crocodiles.
Vasconcellos told reporters: “Perhaps the origin of crocodiles around the entire world was in the south and not in North America or Europe as it was always believed.” He also added: “They may have first appeared in South America or Africa, when they were fused together in a single continent. That would change the way an entire species has propagated.”