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Mekosuchus + Trilophosuchus BW

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Description

The mekosuchine crocodiles were a group of mostly terrestrial predators indigenous to Australia and parts of Polynesia, and possibly New Zealand, also.

These two examples are from the Miocene section of the Riversleigh laggerstatte, and are suspected to have filled ecological niches similar to those of modern day goannas (which were not found in this region of Australia during the Miocene). Both meter-long crocodiles are also suspected of being capable of climbing trees like goannas.

The top one is Mekosuchus sanderi. It had big eyes (for a crocodile), and was much smaller than its relative M. inexpectans, from Pleistocene/Holocene New Caledonia.

The lower one is Trilophosuchus rackhami. Because of its (suspected) tree-climbing habits, some people nickname it the "drop-croc." Its generic name, Trilophosuchus, translates as "three crest(s) crocodile," and refers to three enlarged ridges on the top of its head.
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malevouvenator's avatar
I always wondering what means mekosuchus?