Crocodylomorph facts for kids
Crocodylomorphs are a big group of ancient reptiles. They include all the different kinds of crocodilians (like crocodiles and alligators) and many of their relatives that are now extinct.
Long, long ago, during the Mesozoic Era (the time of dinosaurs) and early Tertiary Period, there were many more types of Crocodylomorphs than there are today. The first ones, from the Triassic Period, were small, light, and lived on land. They were fast-moving animals.
Later, in the early Jurassic Period, different kinds appeared that lived in water and even the ocean. In the later Jurassic, Cretaceous Period, and Tertiary times, many new types evolved. Some lived on land, and others lived partly in water. The crocodiles and alligators we see today didn't show up until the Upper Cretaceous.
Contents
Amazing Ancient Relatives
The group of animals that includes crocodiles and their relatives is called Crurotarsi. This group of reptiles was very diverse. They are an ancient group, just as old as the dinosaurs. Over time, they evolved into many different shapes and sizes.
Early Land Dwellers
The very first Crocodylomorphs were called sphenosuchians. They appeared during the Upper Triassic Period. These early forms were built for speed on land, much like a greyhound dog. They were light and quick.
Water and Ocean Life
During the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, some Crocodylomorphs started living in the ocean. Their front legs changed into paddle-like flippers. Their tails also became similar to those of modern fish, helping them swim.
One interesting ocean species was Dakosaurus andiniensis. It was related to Metriorhynchus. This animal had a skull that was perfect for eating large marine reptiles.
Different Diets and Lifestyles
Some land-dwelling Crocodylomorphs during the Cretaceous Period became herbivores. This means they ate plants instead of meat. Later, during the Tertiary and Pleistocene periods, several groups became full-time predators on land.
How Scientists Group Crocodylomorphs
Scientists group animals based on their shared features. Here is a simplified way Crocodylomorphs fit into the bigger picture of life:
- Sauropsida (This group includes all reptiles and birds)
- Archosauria (A big group of reptiles that includes dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and crocodiles)
- Ornithodira (This branch includes pterosaurs and dinosaurs)
- Crurotarsi (This branch includes crocodiles and their close relatives)
- Crocodylomorpha (Our main group!)
- Archosauria (A big group of reptiles that includes dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and crocodiles)
* †Aetosauria (An extinct group of armored reptiles) * †Phytosauria (An extinct group that looked like crocodiles) * †Rauisuchia (An extinct group of large land predators) * Crocodilia (This includes all living crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials)
Images for kids
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Life restoration of Hesperosuchus
See also
In Spanish: Crocodilomorfos para niños
