Ettaasuchus

Ettaasuchus is a genus of extinct crocodilian that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It is known from a single species, Ettaasuchus harringtoni, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. The genus name is derived from the Greek words "etta," meaning "eight," and "suchos," meaning "crocodile," reflecting the eight teeth found in the upper jaw of the holotype specimen. The specific name harringtoni honors the Harrington family, who discovered the fossil.

Ettaasuchus is notable for its unique dental morphology. The animal had a distinctive set of teeth, with the upper jaw containing eight teeth and the lower jaw having a single tooth. This unusual tooth arrangement is not found in any other known crocodilian. The teeth were robust and adapted for crushing hard food items, suggesting that Ettaasuchus may have fed on a diet of tough plant material or small vertebrates.

The fossil remains of Ettaasuchus consist of a nearly complete skull and lower jaws, as well as some postcranial elements. The skull is relatively small, measuring about 15 centimeters in length, and the overall body size of the animal is estimated to be around 2 meters. The postcranial skeleton indicates that Ettaasuchus was a terrestrial crocodilian, with adaptations for walking on land.

Ettaasuchus provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of crocodilians during the Late Cretaceous. Its unique dental morphology and terrestrial adaptations suggest that it may have occupied a niche similar to that of modern crocodilians, such as the American alligator. However, further research is needed to fully understand the biology and ecology of this enigmatic crocodilian.