Study Reveals Evolutionary Secrets Behind Crocodilian Survival Through Mass Extinctions

From Massive Eyes to Shark-Like Tails, Seven Amazing Adaptations That Helped Prehistoric Reptiles Thrive at Sea

The creatures cruised the world’s oceans with features we often associate with marine mammals, such as coats of blubber and the ability to birth live young

The ancestors of the crocodiles managed to survive previous periods of global extinction

Secret to crocodylian longevity

Researchers examined teeth and skulls of 99 extinct crocodylomorph species and 20 living crocodylian species to reconstruct their dietary ecology and identify characteristics that helped some groups persist through two mass extinctions. They discovered that one secret tocrocodylian longevity is their remarkably flexible lifestyles, both in what they eat and the habitat in which they get it.

Crocs’ ability to eat anything helped ancestors survive mass extinction

The secret to their longevity could help conservationists better protect species today threatened by extinction.

How Crocodiles Have Survived Over 230 Million Years and Two Mass Extinction Events

Learn why a comprehensive comparison of crocodile skulls, teeth, and jaws hints that generalists, not specialists are best built for longevity.

How crocodile ancestors survived the dinosaur extinction

Ancestors of modern crocodiles survived through 2 mass extinctions, including the one which spelled the end of the “Age of Dinosaurs” 66 mya.