Sarcosuchus

Sarcosuchus is an extinct genus of crocodyliform that lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 112 million years ago. It is one of the largest crocodyliforms ever discovered, with fossils found in Africa and South America. The name Sarcosuchus means "flesh crocodile" in Greek, a testament to its immense size and predatory nature.

This prehistoric reptile reached lengths of up to 11 meters (36 feet) and weighed an estimated 8 tonnes. Its most distinctive feature was its broadened, blunt snout, which was covered in bony bumps called osteoderms. Unlike modern crocodiles, Sarcosuchus had a relatively short, wide skull and teeth that were conical and not as sharp as those of its contemporary relatives. Its powerful jaws and massive size suggest it was an apex predator, capable of preying on large dinosaurs and fish.

Sarcosuchus fossils have been unearthed in various locations, including the Elrhaz Formation in Niger and the Adamantina Formation in Brazil. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of crocodyliforms during the Mesozoic Era. While it resembled modern crocodiles in its general body plan, Sarcosuchus was part of a distinct lineage, the pholidosaurids, which are now extinct. Its presence in both Africa and South America suggests a land connection between these continents during the Cretaceous period.