Scientists have described an ancient crocodile that hunted human ancestors

Researchers have discovered a new species of crocodile, called Crocodylus lucivenator. They lived on the territory of modern Ethiopia about 3.4–3 million years ago and posed a deadly threat to human ancestors. This was reported by Popular Science magazine on March 12.

Based on the study of fossils stored in the museum of Addis Ababa, paleontologists have determined that the predators reached 4.5 m in length and weighed about 600 kg. Christopher Brochu, a co-author of the study and an ecologist from the University of Iowa, emphasized that this crocodile was the largest predator of that ecosystem, larger than lions and hyenas.

A distinctive feature of Crocodylus lucivenator was a peculiar bone growth in the middle of the snout. Similar formations are found in modern sharp-winged crocodiles, but are absent in the Nile. Scientists suggest that this hump could be used by males to demonstrate their status in front of females.

The key feature of the find was the location of the discovery. The remains of the reptile were found in Hadar, an area famous for the discovery there in 1974 of the skeleton of a female Australopithecus afarensis, named Lucy. Crocodylus lucivenator was the only crocodile species in this location, which gave it its name, which translates as "Lucy Hunter."

Bone analysis has shown that ancient crocodiles were aggressive towards each other. On one of the samples, scientists found traces of partially healed jaw injuries, indicating violent contractions. According to co-author Stephanie Drumheller, a paleontologist at the University of Tennessee, this face-biting behavior is found throughout the crocodile family tree.

To the extent of animals: petrified dinosaur intestines and the effect of immunity on deer antlers

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On February 27, NBC News reported the discovery of a dinosaur skeleton the size of a crow in Argentina. It was clarified that it belongs to one of the smallest dinosaurs known in the world, the species Alnashetri cerropoliciensis.

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