170-million-year-old fossils reveal new crocodile relative with needle-thin teeth
Researchers have identified a new species of ancient crocodile relative, Ctenosuchus tenuidens, from 170-million-year-old fossils found in Morocco. The creature featured a long, narrow snout with needle-thin teeth, suggesting it fed on small, soft aquatic prey.
Why it matters
This discovery expands our understanding of prehistoric biodiversity and the evolutionary adaptations of marine reptiles during the Jurassic Period.
Sometimes a major scientific discovery starts with something barely visible. Researchers studying Moroccan fossils found tiny black circles along a long bone. Under a microscope, these markings revealed an unexpected secret: an array of exceptionally slender teeth belonging to a previously unknown crocodile relative that lived around 170 million years ago. The discovery offers a glimpse into the surprising diversity of prehistoric predators during the Jurassic Period, states a release by the University of Portsmouth.A closer look reveals a new speciesThe species, named Ctenosuchus tenuidens, was identified by researchers from the University of Portsmouth in the UK and Hassan II University of Casablanca in Morocco.
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