Ancient Croc That Walked on Two Legs Found in Petrified Forest
Summary
Scientists discovered a new species of an ancient crocodile-like reptile, named Sonselasuchus cedrus, that lived in what's now Petrified Forest National Park about 225 to 201 million years ago. This reptile walked on two legs, similar to some dinosaurs, and was found alongside other fossils in the area.Key Facts
- Paleontologists from the University of Washington found the fossils in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
- The new species, called Sonselasuchus cedrus, lived during the Late Triassic period.
- It walked on two legs as an adult, starting on four legs as a youngster.
- The fossil record indicated it had features like a toothless beak and hollow bones.
- These features developed independently from similar-looking dinosaurs (ornithomimids).
- The name Sonselasuchus comes from the Sonsela Member of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation.
- Researchers have collected over 3,000 fossils from this area since 2014.
- Other fossils in the area include fish, amphibians, and various reptile species.
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