Giant crocodylians dominated the food chain in Miocene South America, fossil evidence suggests
A new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology suggests that giant crocodylians were the dominant predators in Miocene-era South America. Fossil evidence indicates these massive reptiles, such as Purussaurus neivensis, likely controlled herbivore populations in the region's ancient lake systems.
Why it matters
This research provides new insights into prehistoric ecosystems and the evolutionary history of apex predators in South America.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Reconstruction of Purussaurus neivensis attacking Pericotoxodon platignathus. Credit: Miguel Hernandez South America was a frightening place during the Miocene. More than 10 million years ago, a vast lake covered much of the continent, home to giant turtles and crocodylians.
A wide range of predators hunted on the lake's shores, including anacondas, saber-toothed mammals, flightless "terror birds" and sebecids—terrestrial relatives of crocodylians.
A recent study shows that crocodylians were, in fact, the most significant group of predators in this habitat.
"There was so much prey available that mammalian predators couldn't have eaten it all," says Oscar Wilson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki.
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