The crocs roamed Africa 18 to 15 million years ago and were at least twice as large as modern dwarf crocodiles (via FieldandStream)
Two recently discovered species of ancient dwarf crocodiles were twice as big as their modern-day relatives—and were likely one of the most dangerous predators early humans faced. According to University of Iowa researchers who announced the discovery in a paper published June 8 in the science journal, the crocs that roamed parts of Africa 18 million to 15 million years ago were a breed apart from the dwarf crocs that inhabit west and central Africa today.
“They had what looked like this big grin that made them look really happy, but they would bite your face off if you gave them the chance,” said Christopher Brochu, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iowa and the lead researcher on the study, in. Brochu believes the ancient crocs spent most of their time in the forest, rather than in the water, waiting to ambush prey, and they may have been among the fiercest threats of their day.
“These were the biggest predators our ancestors faced,” he said. “They were opportunistic feeders, just as crocodiles are today. It would have been downright perilous for ancient humans to head down to the river for a drink.” Scientists don’t know precisely why the giant dwarf crocodiles went extinct about 15 million years ago, but one theory is that climate change led to decreased rainfall across their range. That contributed to a decline in their forest habitat and an increase in grasslands and mixed savanna woodlands—conditions that also set the stage for another species to thrive.
The two species lived in the East Africa Rift Valley, where several important finds of the fossils of early human ancestors were made. Brochu identified the new crocs by examining their fossil specimens in the National Museums of Kenya.Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
N.J. reports 2,734 COVID cases, 1 death, as transmission rates in 18 counties remains ‘high’The state’s seven-day average for confirmed positive tests is 2,991, a 9% increase in the past week and a 42% increase from a month ago.
Read more »
These 18 Homes Offer Inspiration Aplenty, and DIY IdeasFar-flung projects reveal interior maven Jean-Louis Deniot's eclectic, yet exacting approach.
Read more »
Opinion | Is 18 minutes enough time for a subject to comment?Opinion by Erik Wemple: Is 18 minutes enough time for a subject to comment?
Read more »
18-year-old charged for 2nd Degree MurderThe Tucson Police Department has identified 18-year-old Antonio Dario Varela as the suspect in the fatal shooting that left 25-year-old Francisco Javier Espriu dead.
Read more »
EMS uses Narcan to revive 18-month-old child who ate heroinMichigan State Police found 15 doses of powder heroin inside red and black capsules in the woman’s possession, which police said she tried to hide during the investigation.
Read more »
18 Rom-Com Lines So Ridiculous, I Can’t Believe They Were Ever Spoken AloudThese lines put the “aw” in awkward.
Read more »