The Sciences

First Ancient Crocodile Relative from 237 Million Years Ago Was Unearthed in Brazil

Fossil dating back 237 million years shows reptile diversity before the Age of the Dinosaurs.

By Paul SmaglikJun 21, 2024 10:15 AM
Parvosuchus aurelioi
Parvosuchus aurelioi (Credit: Illustration by Matheus Fernandes)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Crocodiles have been around for a long time and lived all over the world. A fossil representing a new species of crocodile-like ancestor is the first small predatory reptile of its kind to be found in Brazil and is described in a Scientific Reports paper.

The fossil, which dates back about 237 million years, predates the rise of the dinosaurs, reinforces the wide geographical distribution of crocodile-like reptiles called pseudosuchians, and represents an evolutionary link to the modern crocodile. The new species has been named Parvosuchus aurelioi.

Crocodiles Before Dinosaurs

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 70% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.