An enormous prehistoric reptile called a “terror crocodile” with teeth as big as bananas preyed on dinosaurs, according to a new study of fossils.
The ancient beast roamed the US during the Late Cretaceous period between 75 and 82 million years ago. In the study, the scientists discovered a new species in the genus* Deinosuchus, bringing the total known number of Deinosuchus species to three.
“Deinosuchus was a giant that must have terrorised dinosaurs that came to the water’s edge to drink,” said the study’s lead researcher Dr Adam Cossette from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, US.
The name Deinosuchus means “terror crocodile”.
The massive West Coast crocs Deinosuchus hatcheri and Deinosuchus riograndensis species and the newly described Deinosuchus schwimmeri, which lived on the East Coast from New Jersey to Mississippi, are actually more closely related to alligators.
“Until now, the complete animal was unknown,” Dr Cossette said.
“These new specimens* we’ve examined reveal a bizarre, monstrous predator with teeth the size of bananas.”
The scientists were able to study multiple examples of bite marks made by Deinosuchus riograndensis and Deinosuchus schwimmeri, on turtle shells and dinosaur bones.
Besides its banana-sized teeth, the monstrous predator had a huge nose with gaping nostrils, which scientists are still working to understand.
“It had two large holes are present at the tip of the snout in front of the nose,” Dr Cossette said.
“These holes are unique to Deinosuchus and we do not know what they were for, further research down the line will hopefully help us unpick this mystery and we can learn further about this incredible creature.”
The massive crocs, which could grow up to 10.5m long, disappeared before dinosaurs’ main mass extinction during the Mesozoic period, according to the study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
This story was first published on The Sun and is republished here with permission.
GLOSSARY
- genus: a scientific classification, below family and above species
- specimens: examples or samples
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QUICK QUIZ
- What objects did the scientists study in this research?
- Where were the Deinosuchus found?
- When were they alive?
- How long could they grow to be?
- Why is the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology mentioned?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Compare and Contrast
Nicknamed the “terror croc”, the Deinosuchus had some features similar to the present-day crocodile but there are also differences.
Use a Venn diagram (two overlapping circles) to compare and contrast the Deinosuchus and the present-day crocodile. You can choose if you compare it to the salt or freshwater crocodile or you can compare it to both of them.
In the left circle write information that relates to the Deinosuchus and in the right circle, write information that relates to the present-day crocodile. In the overlapping section, write facts that are common to both creatures.
Time: allow 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science, Critical and Creative thinking
2. Extension
The Deinosuchus had some interesting features that scientists are yet to be able to explain. To begin to ‘unpick’ the mystery of what the two ‘gaping holes’ at the tip of the snout were for, they need to come up with some possible explanations to prove or disprove.
Come up with two or three possible reasons that the Deinosuchus had two large holes on top of its snout in front of its nose. Rate your suggestions from most to least likely.
Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science, Critical and Creative thinking
VCOP ACTIVITY
Opener Operation
After reading the article, with a partner, highlight all the openers you can find in blue. Discuss if they are powerful and varied openers or not. Why do you think the journalists have used a mix of simple and power openers? Would you change any, and why?
HAVE YOUR SAY: Which prehistoric creature do you think is the scariest?
No one-word answers. Use full sentences to explain your thinking. No comments will be published until approved by editors.
