Survival of crocodiles and dinosaurs

A new study has revealed for the first time how prehistoric alligators evolved in a world dominated by dinosaurs.

Today, modern crocodiles live in freshwater environments and eat mammals and fish. However, their ancestors were very different creatures, with some individuals running here like terrestrial dogs, while others adapting to life outside the sea, mimicking whale behavior.

Prehistoric crocodiles used to run here like terrestrial dogs.(Photo: Corbis)

Research by the University of Bristol has discovered how an ancient crocodile's jaws have evolved to help this fierce creature survive in very different environments.

Tom Stubbs, the head of the study, stated: "The ancestors of crocodiles today have an interesting history, but are far less well known than the contemporaries of dinosaurs. They are very creatures. Unlike crocodiles we are familiar with today, more diverse and according to research, their adaptability is remarkable.

The evolution and transformation of the body organization of crocodiles in Dai Trung Sinh is rare. They have evolved both the lifestyle and the way of eating unlike what exists today. "

The team looked at the change in the shape and function of the lower jaw of the lower jaw in more than 100 prehistoric alligators, a period that began 251 million years ago and lasted more than 170 million. year.

The study revealed, after the extinction incident ended the Triassic period (also known as the Three Dynasties, 251 million years ago), the ancestors of crocodiles had invaded Jurassic oceans (aka is the Chu La period, 205 million years ago) and evolved the convenient main jaws to operate underwater to catch swift prey like fish.

The transformation peaked again in the Cretaceous period (also known as the Cretaceous, 142 million years ago), when the ancient crocodiles evolved many different lower jaw shapes to match the variety of food chains and habitat next to dinosaurs, including eating plants.

Different types of lower jaws of the Great Middle Crocodile.(Photo: Daily Mail)

Surprisingly, there is not so much variation in the shape and lower jaw of the Cretaceous crocodile. Instead, fossil evidence reflects adaptive evolution in other parts of the body, such as the horny layer that covers the body like a tatu.

Dr. Stephanie Pierce, a member of the research team, added: "Our findings show that the ability to conceive and adapt to the diversity of food sources and habitats, by evolution. Many different shapes of functions, which are essential for the recovery of crocodile history after the extinction process ended the Triassic period, this ability can also contribute most to the success of the Great Central Crocodile. when living under the shadow of dinosaurs ".