Published , Modified Abstract on New Ancient 'Marine Crocodile' Discovered on UK's Jurassic Coast Original source
New Ancient 'Marine Crocodile' Discovered on UK's Jurassic Coast
A new species of ancient marine crocodile has been discovered on the UK's Jurassic Coast, and it's one of the oldest specimens of its type ever found. The discovery was made by a team of paleontologists from the University of Bristol, who have been studying fossils found in the area for several years.
Introduction
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the southern coast of England. It is known for its rich fossil record, which includes some of the earliest and most diverse examples of marine reptiles in the world. The discovery of this new species of marine crocodile is a significant addition to this record.
What is a Marine Crocodile?
Marine crocodiles are a group of reptiles that lived in the oceans during the Mesozoic Era, which lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago. They were similar in appearance to modern-day crocodiles, but had adaptations that allowed them to live and hunt in the water.
The Discovery
The new species, named Thalassosuchus mesembrinus, was discovered in rocks dating back to the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. The fossils were found near Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset, an area known for its rich fossil record.
The team of paleontologists spent several years studying the fossils before determining that they belonged to a new species. They were able to identify several unique features that set Thalassosuchus mesembrinus apart from other known species of marine crocodile.
Unique Features
One of the most distinctive features of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus is its long snout. This adaptation would have allowed it to catch fish more easily in shallow waters. It also had large, paddle-like limbs that would have helped it swim through the water with ease.
Another unique feature of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus is its teeth. Unlike other marine crocodiles, which had conical teeth for catching fish, Thalassosuchus mesembrinus had flattened teeth that would have been better suited for crushing hard-shelled prey like crabs and mollusks.
Significance
The discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus is significant for several reasons. First, it adds to our understanding of the diversity of marine reptiles that lived during the Jurassic period. Second, it provides insight into the adaptations that allowed these animals to thrive in their environment.
Finally, the discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus highlights the importance of continued research and exploration in areas with rich fossil records like the Jurassic Coast. There is still much to be learned about the ancient creatures that once roamed our planet, and every new discovery brings us closer to a more complete picture of our planet's history.
Conclusion
The discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus is a significant addition to the fossil record of the Jurassic Coast. This new species of marine crocodile provides insight into the adaptations that allowed these animals to thrive in their environment and highlights the importance of continued research and exploration in areas with rich fossil records.
FAQs
1. What is a marine crocodile?
A marine crocodile is a reptile that lived in the oceans during the Mesozoic Era.
2. Where was Thalassosuchus mesembrinus discovered?
Thalassosuchus mesembrinus was discovered near Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset, on the UK's Jurassic Coast.
3. What makes Thalassosuchus mesembrinus unique?
Thalassosuchus mesembrinus has several unique features, including a long snout and flattened teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey.
4. Why is the discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus significant?
The discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus adds to our understanding of the diversity of marine reptiles that lived during the Jurassic period and provides insight into their adaptations.
5. What does the discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus tell us about the importance of continued research and exploration?
The discovery of Thalassosuchus mesembrinus highlights the importance of continued research and exploration in areas with rich fossil records, as there is still much to be learned about the ancient creatures that once roamed our planet.
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