ebonysuch

Ebonysuchus is an extinct genus of crocodilian that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. Fossil remains of Ebonysuchus have been discovered in what is now North America, specifically in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana and the Lance Formation of Wyoming and South Dakota. This genus is notable for its unique anatomical features and its place within the evolutionary history of crocodilians.

The name *Ebonysuchus* derives from the Greek words *ebony* and *suchus*, which refer to its dark-colored bones and its crocodile-like appearance. Ebonysuchus is classified within the family Alligatoridae, though it exhibits some distinct differences from modern alligators and crocodiles. Its skull was relatively narrow and elongated, with a pronounced snout, which may have been adapted for a specialized diet. The teeth of Ebonysuchus were also distinctive, with some showing signs of wear that suggest a diet possibly including hard-shelled prey or plant material.

Fossil evidence indicates that Ebonysuchus was a medium-sized crocodilian, reaching lengths of around 3 to 4 meters. Its remains are relatively rare, but the few specimens discovered provide valuable insights into the diversity of crocodilian life during the Late Cretaceous. The genus is often compared to other contemporary alligatoroids, such as *Deinosuchus*, which was significantly larger and more robust.

Ebonysuchus lived alongside other iconic dinosaurs, including tyrannosaurs and hadrosaurs, in the ecosystems of the Western Interior of North America. Its exact ecological role remains speculative, but its anatomical adaptations suggest it may have occupied a niche distinct from larger, more predatory crocodilians of the time. The study of Ebonysuchus contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary trends within crocodilians and their coexistence with dinosaurs before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.