Proterochampsus

Proterochampsus is an extinct genus of proterochampsid crurotarsan reptile that lived during the Late Triassic period in what is now Brazil. It is one of the earliest known members of the group that eventually led to the evolution of crocodilians. Proterochampsus was a relatively small, quadrupedal animal, measuring about 1.5 to 2 meters in length. Its body was covered in bony scutes, providing a degree of armor.

The skull of Proterochampsus was long and narrow, with eyes positioned high on the head, a characteristic seen in modern crocodilians, suggesting an amphibious lifestyle. Its teeth were sharp and pointed, indicating a carnivorous diet, likely consisting of small vertebrates and invertebrates. The limbs were well-developed, and it possessed a long, powerful tail.

Fossil evidence suggests that Proterochampsus inhabited freshwater environments, such as rivers and swamps. Its ability to move on land and in water would have allowed it to exploit a variety of food sources. The Proterochampsidae family, to which Proterochampsus belongs, represents an important stage in the evolutionary history of archosaurs, bridging the gap between more primitive archosaurs and the derived crocodilians. The discovery of Proterochampsus has provided valuable insights into the early diversification of crurotarsans and their adaptation to different ecological niches during the Mesozoic Era.