Researchers presented this Tuesday, 7 parts of the original fossil of a species of crocodile, found in the interior of São Paulo. Scientists argue that this is unique and distinct from all others animals that have lived on Earth.
The Sphagesauridae is a family of Crocodyliformes exclusively known for the Brazilian Late Cretaceous Bauru Basin. It measures about 2 meters in length and estimated weight of 120 pounds, had a carapace similar to that of an armadillo and lived in a warm and dry climate, according to researchers from the Department of Geology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ ).
The Armadillosuchus arrudai, gen. et sp. nov., is a sphagesaurid that presents some mammal-like morphological features, such as propalinal and alternate unilateral jaw occlusion pattern and heavy body armor, composed of a rigid shield and mobile-banded section as in extant armadillos (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae).
These unusual morphological features contrast to the double row of osteoderms observed on the closest relatives of A. arrudai. As its mammal analogs, A. arrudai presents some evidence of fossoriality and an exclusive terrestrial life style in contrast to the extant alligatorids and crocodylids.
With broad skull, short muzzle, narrow and bone distributed as armor plate in the neck and back, the crocodile-armadillo lived there 90 million years.
See the photo
The Sphagesauridae is a family of Crocodyliformes exclusively known for the Brazilian Late Cretaceous Bauru Basin. It measures about 2 meters in length and estimated weight of 120 pounds, had a carapace similar to that of an armadillo and lived in a warm and dry climate, according to researchers from the Department of Geology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ ).
The Armadillosuchus arrudai, gen. et sp. nov., is a sphagesaurid that presents some mammal-like morphological features, such as propalinal and alternate unilateral jaw occlusion pattern and heavy body armor, composed of a rigid shield and mobile-banded section as in extant armadillos (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae).
These unusual morphological features contrast to the double row of osteoderms observed on the closest relatives of A. arrudai. As its mammal analogs, A. arrudai presents some evidence of fossoriality and an exclusive terrestrial life style in contrast to the extant alligatorids and crocodylids.
With broad skull, short muzzle, narrow and bone distributed as armor plate in the neck and back, the crocodile-armadillo lived there 90 million years.
See the photo
