Crurotarsans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crurotarsans |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Life restoration of Protome batalaria | |
 |
|
| Life restoration of Ornithosuchus woodwardi | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Subgroups | |
The Crurotarsi are a very old and important group of animals. They are one of the two main types of archosaurs. Archosaurs are a large group of reptiles that includes all crocodiles and birds alive today. The Crurotarsi group also includes all their ancient relatives and ancestors. These animals lived a long time ago, starting in the early Triassic period.
Contents
What are Crurotarsi?
The name Crurotarsi comes from a special feature of their ankle joints. Scientists use the way their ankles are built to tell them apart from other archosaurs. This group includes the ancestors of modern crocodiles and many other amazing ancient reptiles.
Two Main Archosaur Groups
There are two main groups of archosaurs:
- Avemetatarsalia: This group includes Pterosaurs (flying reptiles) and Dinosaurs. Birds are the only dinosaurs still alive today!
- Pseudosuchia: This is often called the "crocodile line." It includes crocodiles and all their ancient relatives. The Crurotarsi group mainly focuses on this crocodile line.
Meet the Pseudosuchia: Crocodile Relatives
The Pseudosuchia group is part of the Crurotarsi. It has many interesting ancient reptiles.
Phytosauria: Ancient Water Dwellers
- These animals were semi-aquatic, meaning they lived partly in water.
- They had long snouts, a bit like modern crocodiles.
- They were predators, hunting in the water.
Aetosauria: Armored Plant-Eaters
- Aetosaurs were quadrupedal, meaning they walked on four legs.
- They were covered in tough, bony armor, like a shield.
- Unlike many other reptiles in this group, they were herbivores, meaning they ate plants.
Ornithosuchidae: Dinosaur Look-Alikes
- These ancient reptiles looked quite a bit like early dinosaurs.
- They were active predators.
Crocodylomorpha: The Crocodile Ancestors
- This group includes all modern Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, and caimans) and their many ancient ancestors.
- They have been around for a very long time, adapting to different environments.
Rauisuchia: Large Ancient Predators
- This is a group that scientists are still learning more about.
- It included some very large, four-legged predators.
- They were among the top hunters in their time.
See also
In Spanish: Crurotarsi para niños
