Scienceblogtwo

A strange and extremely small species of crocodile lived in north-west Queensland about 13.5 million years ago; scientists are just now learning more about it. Modern technology has enabled University of Queensland researchers to uncover previously hidden anatomical information about the prehistoric Trilophosuchus rackhami. Jorgo Ristevski, a PhD candidate at the faculty of science, claimed it was the most in-depth analysis of the skull anatomy of an ancient Australian crocodile ever done. We were able to digitally isolate each bone by micro-CT scanning the well preserved cranium, according to Mr. Ristevski. "Trilophosuchus rackhami would have grown to be between 70 and 90 centimeters long and weigh one to two kilos, which is quite small compared to the majority of modern crocodiles. This crocodile had a small snout and three distinct ridges on the top of its skull, giving it a genuinely unusual appearance. The 1993 name Trilophosuchus rackhami, which translates to "Rackham...