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Evidence of ancient tree-climbing 'drop crocs' found in Australia

Evidence of ancient tree-climbing 'drop crocs' found in Australia

Summary

Scientists discovered 55-million-year-old crocodile eggshells in Queensland, Australia. These eggshells likely belonged to ancient crocodiles that could climb trees. The findings suggest these "drop crocs" hunted their prey from treetops.

Key Facts

  • Scientists found 55-million-year-old crocodile eggshells in Queensland, Australia.
  • The eggshells are believed to belong to extinct crocodiles known as "mekosuchines."
  • These crocodiles could climb trees and potentially hunted prey by dropping on them from above.
  • The discovery was published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
  • Mekosuchine crocodiles were around when Australia was linked to Antarctica and South America.
  • These crocodiles could grow to about five meters long.
  • The research adds to previous discoveries of mekosuchine fossils in older deposits.
  • Scientists have been excavating the site since the early 1980s, uncovering a rich variety of fossils.
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