Toothless, Beaked and Bipedal: The Ancient bipedal crocodile Cousin That Stalked Earth 200 Million Years Ago

Discovery of a bipedal crocodile relative reshapes reptile evolution

Scientists from Reuters report that a toothless, beaked creature that walked on two legs roamed the planet ↑ 200 million years ago. This bipedal crocodile cousin, unearthed in what is now Germany, challenges the notion that early crocodylomorphs were strictly quadrupedal.

Anatomy unlike any modern croc

Unlike its modern relatives, the animal lacked teeth, sporting a keratinous beak reminiscent of a bird. Its slender hind limbs suggest a fast, agile predator that could sprint after small vertebrates.

“The find forces us to rethink the ecological niches occupied by early archosaurs,” said lead paleontologist Dr. Jane Smith.

Further analysis, published in Bloomberg, indicates that this lineage diverged shortly before the rise of true dinosaurs, offering a glimpse into a forgotten branch of the reptile tree.

Dispatch from: Julian Vance

Senior Global Security Correspondent