2024-03-22 01:44:55
WashingtonScientists have claimed on the basis of a new research that before dinosaurs, ancient crocodiles dominated the earth. Scientists have confirmed the discovery of this rare species of animals, Aetosaur, for the first time. Because of its strong armor, scientists have called it the armored brother of modern-day crocodiles. They were on earth 200 lakh years ago. Before their extinction they were found in various shapes and sizes. A new study focused on an aetosaur’s suit of armor has revealed new details about this ancient creature. Most of the major parts of this armor suit are still intact today.
According to India Today report, William Reyes, a doctoral student at UT Jackson School of Geosciences, while explaining this research, said that we have elements from the back of the neck and shoulder area to the tip of the tail. Generally not many elements are available. He said the team used this rare suit to identify the specimen as a new aetosaur species—which they named Garzapelta muelleri.
animal that looked like a crocodile
According to the research team, this ancient animal looked like a modern crocodile, which roamed the earth 200 million years ago. The study, published in The Anatomical Record, shows that its bone plates were directly embedded in the skin and fitted together like a mosaic to form a suit of armour. The sides of the garjapelta were studded with curved spikes that provided another layer of protection from predators. Placement within the aetosaur family posed challenges for researchers because of the different armor observed among the species. Its rear shell resembled that of one species, while the spikes in its middle resembled those of another species.
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Its spikes surprised researchers given their distant relationship to another aetosaur species. This reflects convergent evolution, where similar traits arise independently. The evolution of flight in insects, birds, mammals, and extinct pterosaurs is an example of this. From the plate assembly to the bone ridges, unique features distinguish Garzapelta as a new species. Understanding spike development aided the classification of Garzapelta. The research team has reported that fossils of aetosaurs have been found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.