Scientists have discovered a new species of ancient crocodile

A study recently published in Scientific reports Details of the discovery of an ancient crocodile that had not been previously identified Classify It is found in Thailand, which shares close evolutionary links with the Chinese crocodile (Alligator sinensis).

Researchers Gustavo Darlem, Marton Rabe, Kantapon Suraprasit, Panepa Tian, ​​and their team identified the new species by examining a nearly complete fossilized skull—dating less than 230,000 years ago—from Ban Si Liam, Thailand. They named the species Alligator monensis In reference to the nearby Mon River.

The authors examined the remains and investigated the evolutionary relationships between them a. monensis and other species by comparing their remains with the remains of 19 samples of four extinct crocodile species, in addition to the living American crocodile (Alligator Mississippiensis), the Chinese crocodile and the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodile) Classify. They also reviewed previously published research on skeletal characteristics and evolutionary relationships between crocodile species.

The authors identified several unique cranial features a. monensis, Including a broad and short snout, a long skull, fewer dental cavities and nostrils placed away from the tip of the snout. In addition, they noticed the similarities between the skulls a. monensis The Chinese crocodile has a small opening in the roof of the mouth, a ridge at the top of the skull, and a raised ridge behind the nostrils.

They suggest that the two species are closely related and may have shared a common ancestor in the Yangtze-Chi and Mekong-Chao Phraya lowlands. They speculate that increases in the elevation of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau between 23 and 5 million years ago may have led to the separation of different populations and the evolution of two separate species.

The authors note this a. monensis It has large dental cavities at the back of its mouth, indicating that it may have had large teeth that would have been able to crush shells. As a result, they suggest that a. monensis It may have eaten hard-shelled prey, such as snails, as well as other animals.

The results provide further knowledge about the evolution of Asian crocodiles.

Reference: “Extinct deep-snouted crocodile species from the Quaternary of Thailand and comments on the evolution of tooth grinding in crocodiles” by Gustavo Darlem, Kantapon Suraprasit, Yawalak Shimane, Panepa Tian, ​​Chutima Yamey, Mana Rujbumrong, Adoloit Kawira, and Marton Rabe. , July 13, 2023, Scientific reports.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-36559-6