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Portsmouth scientists discover new ancient crocodile relative in Morocco
Overview
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and Hassan II University of Casablanca have identified a new species of ancient crocodile relative that lived approximately 170 million years ago. Named ctenosuchus tenuidens, its fossils were discovered in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. The reptile featured a long, narrow snout and delicate, needle-like teeth, which researchers believe were used to hunt soft prey such as shrimp, worms, and tiny fish.
Key points
- Scientists discovered fossils of an ancient crocodile relative in Morocco's Atlas Mountains.
- The newly identified species has been named ctenosuchus tenuidens, meaning comb-like crocodile with thin teeth.
- The animal lived about 170 million years ago during the age of the dinosaurs.
- It belonged to a group of marine and freshwater reptiles called thalattosuchians.
- Researchers believe its unusual, delicate teeth were adapted for hunting soft prey like shrimp and worms rather than large fish.