In Our Time The Evolution of Crocodiles
Sep 16, 2021
Anjali Goswami and Philip Mannion delve into the extraordinary evolutionary journey of crocodiles, revealing their dominance during the Triassic period with formidably large ancestors. They discuss how these reptiles thrived through mass extinctions, adapting to diverse habitats over millions of years. The conversation highlights recent advances in studying their evolution, like CT scans and ancient DNA, debunking the myth of crocodiles as 'living fossils' while addressing their current vulnerabilities in a changing climate.
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Croc Dominance
- Crocs, ancestors of alligators and crocodiles, were dominant before dinosaurs.
- They were diverse, some huge, some bipedal, some aquatic.
Defining "Croc"
- "Croc" refers to Pseudosuchia, encompassing all reptiles closer to crocodiles than dinosaurs or birds.
- Triassic crocs were incredibly diverse, unlike today's limited species.
Triassic Croc Peak
- Triassic crocs were at their peak diversity, with various species, diets, and behaviors.
- They outcompeted early dinosaurs, showcasing their adaptability.