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93-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Fossil Discovered With Baby Dinosaur in Its Stomach

93-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Fossil Discovered With Baby Dinosaur in Its Stomach
Artist's reconstruction of Confractosuchus devouring a juvenile ornithopod. JULIUS CSOTONYI

In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists unearthed a 93-million-year-old crocodile fossil in Queensland, Australia. The ancient predator, named Confractosuchus Sauroktonos, or ‘broken crocodile dinosaur killer,’ contained the remains of a baby dinosaur in its stomach.

A Predator From the Cretaceous Period

93-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Fossil Discovered With Baby Dinosaur in Its Stomach
The exciting new crocodile specimen was discovered on Elderslie Station, near Winton.(Supplied: Australian Age of Dinosaurs)

This prehistoric crocodile, estimated to be about 2.5 meters long, lived during the Cretaceous period. It is believed to have perished in a flood, leaving behind a fossil that offers a fascinating glimpse into its predatory life.

Remarkably Preserved Fossil

Researchers pieced the concretion together.(Supplied: Australian Age of Dinosaurs)

Approximately 35 percent of the crocodile fossil was preserved, including a near-complete skull and fearsome teeth. These well-preserved features provide valuable insights into its anatomy and hunting habits.

Advanced Imaging Techniques Unveil Secrets

Researchers pieced the concretion together.(Supplied: Australian Age of Dinosaurs)

Researchers used cutting-edge technology like 3D scans and X-rays to study the fossil. These techniques revealed that the crocodile likely died in a flood, which helped preserve its remains.

Discovering the Last Meal

AI generated image of a baby dinosour.

One of the most intriguing findings came from the crocodile’s stomach contents. Initial scans showed bones of a juvenile dinosaur, indicating that the crocodile’s last meal was a young dinosaur. However, the exact species remains unknown.

The Role of Advanced Imaging in Fossil Studies

93-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Fossil Discovered With Baby Dinosaur in Its Stomach
Researchers in Australia have discovered remains of a freshwater crocodile they named Confractosuchus sauroktonos, which means “the broken dinosaur killer.”
MATT CAWOOD

Dr. Joseph Bevitt, a co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of advanced imaging techniques. 3D digital scans guided the careful preparation of the fossil, allowing precise study of its bones and leading to the discovery of its last meal.

A New Species of Crocodile

AI generated image of the event.

First found in 2010 near the Winton Formation in eastern Australia, the fossils belong to a new species of crocodile. Researchers identified smaller bones within the fossil as belonging to a juvenile dinosaur.

Artist’s Reconstruction

93-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Fossil Discovered With Baby Dinosaur in Its Stomach
Artist’s reconstruction of Confractosuchus devouring a juvenile ornithopod. JULIUS CSOTONYI

An artist’s reconstruction shows Confractosuchus devouring a juvenile ornithopod, a group of plant-eating dinosaurs. The ornithopod remains found in the crocodile’s stomach suggest it either killed the young dinosaur or scavenged it shortly after its death.

Preservation and Missing Parts

(Provider: Facebook/Australian Age of Dinosaurs)

About 35% of the crocodile fossil was preserved. It was missing its tail and limbs but had a near-complete skull. Researchers used X-ray and CT scans to explore the bones inside.

Insights Into Ancient Predator-Prey Dynamics

Brillenkaiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare), Portrait, frontal, Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brasilien via DepostiPhotos
Brillenkaiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare), Portrait, frontal, Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brasilien via Depostiphotos

The findings provide rare insights into the predator-prey relationships of the Cretaceous period. The crocodile’s last meal offers a glimpse into the ancient ecological food web.

Rare Evidence of Crocodiles Eating Dinosaurs

Attack crocodile. Cuban Crocodile (crocodylus rhombifer). The Cuban crocodile jumps out of the water. Cuba via DepositPhotos
Attack crocodile. Cuban Crocodile (crocodylus rhombifer). The Cuban crocodile jumps out of the water. Cuba via DepositPhotos

This discovery is among the few definitive examples of dinosaurs being preyed upon by crocodiles. It is the first evidence that crocodiles were eating dinosaurs in Australia.

Terror Crocodiles of the Past

93-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Fossil Discovered With Baby Dinosaur in Its Stomach
AI generated image of a “terror crocodile”

In August 2020, researchers discovered “terror crocodiles” with teeth the size of bananas that could take down large dinosaurs. These findings add to our understanding of ancient crocodilian predators.

Importance of the Cretaceous Ecological Food Web

Crocodile open mouth on the brick floor. Crocodile via Depositphotos.

The study suggests that dinosaurs were an important resource in the Cretaceous ecological food web. The crocodile’s last meal provides clues to the relationships and behaviors of ancient animals.

Implications for Future Research

Crocodile via Depositphotos.

The discovery of Confractosuchus Sauroktonos and its last meal will continue to offer valuable insights into ancient predator-prey dynamics and the evolution of crocodilian species.

Broader Impacts on Paleontology

Saltwater Crocodile. Image via Depositphotos.

This remarkable find highlights the potential of advanced imaging techniques in paleontology. It underscores the importance of continued research and exploration in uncovering Earth’s distant past.

The Mystery Continues

majestic nile crocodile with opened mouth. Crocodylus niloticus, largest crocodile in Africa, Chamo lake, Arba Minch Ethiopia, Africa wildlife. Crocodile via Depositphotos.

While the discovery has answered many questions, it also raises new ones about the life and habits of ancient crocodiles and their interactions with dinosaurs. Researchers are eager to continue their investigations.

Ongoing Exploration

Image via Depositphotos

As scientists continue to study the fossil, they hope to uncover more secrets about Confractosuchus Sauroktonos and its place in the ancient world. Each new finding adds to our understanding of prehistoric life.

Fascination With Ancient Predators

The story of Confractosuchus Sauroktonos captivates both scientists and the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into a world dominated by fearsome predators and their prey.