Paleontologists Describe 5th Shuvosaur Species, a Bipedal Beaked Crocodile Ancestor
Updated
Updated · Nautilus · May 22
Paleontologists Describe 5th Shuvosaur Species, a Bipedal Beaked Crocodile Ancestor
10 articles · Updated · Nautilus · May 22
Labrujasuchus expectatus, a toothless, beaked, bipedal reptile from the Triassic, has been formally described in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
The animal belongs to shuvosauridae—an ancient lineage that later gave rise to crocodiles and birds—even though this species sits closer to the crocodile branch while resembling bird-like dinosaurs in body plan.
As the 5th known shuvosaur species, it fills an expected gap between older and younger members of the group, helping trace how that unusual body form evolved.
The find adds to evidence that the post-Permian Triassic radiation produced repeated evolutionary experiments, including crocodile relatives independently adopting traits such as bipedalism.
A toothless, two-legged crocodile has been found. What other bizarre evolutionary experiments does the Triassic period still hide?
Why did some crocodile ancestors walk on two legs, and what caused this unique evolutionary path to vanish?
This 'Witch Croc' thrived after a mass extinction. What can it teach us about life's recovery from our own climate crisis?