Crocs dispel 'living fossil' myth

BBC ^ | December 8, 2010 | Ella Davies

[decimon]

Crocodiles can no longer be referred to as "living fossils", according to scientists.

Members of the crocodilian family have previously been thought to have changed little since prehistoric times.

However, new fossil analyses suggests that modern crocodilians actually evolved from a very diverse group.

Recently discovered ancient ancestors include small cat-like specimens, giant "supercrocs" and a pug-nosed vegetarian species.

Body structure

Modern crocodilians are adapted to aquatic environments with long snouts, strong tails and powerful jaws.

Yet contrary to popular belief, scientists now suggest that the basic body structure of crocodiles, alligators and ghariels evolved from a diverse group of prehistoric reptiles with different body shapes.

[decimon]

Crocodiles rock ping.

[Opinionated Blowhard]

However, new fossil analyses suggests that modern crocodilians actually evolved from a very diverse group.

Lawyers? Politicians?

[Christian Engineer Mass]

"cat-like specimens"

OK, so now they're pushing a feline-croc link.

"Over millions of years...2

[decimon]

That cat looks like it’s thinking of finding another home.

[SunkenCiv]

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[Condor51]

However, new fossil analyses suggests that modern crocodilians actually evolved from a very diverse group.

*** Lawyers? Politicians? ***

Nope.
Lawyers & Pols *evolved* from...

Slugs

You can tell by the slime trail they all leave.

[bert]

If you observe closely, the elongated white spots are indicative of the species Sluganarius journalista.

[TheOldLady]

Photoshopped pic of a croc with a cat’s head and/or vice versa in 5... 4... 3...

[SunkenCiv]

Could make a great school mascot idea.

[JoeProBono]

[TheOldLady]

You’re absolutely right. But what would they call it? The CrocCat? CatCroc? Miss Hissy Slashy? — No, that’s my cat. Who knows?

[SunkenCiv]

Miss Hissy Slashy might be appropriate for Harvard, or Berkeley.

[TheOldLady]

This isn’t S. clarki, the vegetarian cat croc is it? Those teeth don’t look “thin” or “weak,” although the back teeth and fangs have similar structures to those of a cat.