Fossilized remains of a large crocodile-like reptile that lived 70 million years ago on the Patagonian plains and could even hunt dinosaurs have been discovered. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Argentine paleontologists identified a new species of this ancient predator and named it Kostensuchus atrox. According to the researchers, this discovery was made in the Chorrilo geological formation.
This area had a warm and humid climate towards the end of the Cretaceous period, providing a favorable habitat for dinosaurs, early mammals, and other aquatic-dependent living organisms. The remains were well-preserved, including the skull, teeth, jaws, and part of the body.
This allowed scientists to study the structure and lifestyle of the ancient predator in detail. Using this information, researchers are also determining what kinds of animals lived in Patagonia 70 million years ago.
According to the researchers' estimates, Kostensuchus atrox reached lengths of up to 3.5 meters and weighed up to 250 kilograms. With its large teeth and strong jaws, it was capable of hunting even medium-sized dinosaurs.
This made it one of the most fearsome and effective predators of the Cretaceous period. These fossilized remains not only create new opportunities for scientific research but also enrich our knowledge of history and evolution.
This finding serves to further increase interest in Patagonia and its biological heritage.
