koepallosuch

Koepallosuchus is a genus of extinct crocodilian that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 99 to 93 million years ago. It is known from a single species, Koepallosuchus schroederi, which was discovered in the Late Cretaceous sediments of the Cedar Mountain Formation in Utah, USA. The genus name, Koepallosuchus, is derived from the Greek words "koepallos," meaning "hollow," and "suchos," meaning "crocodile," referring to the hollowed-out skull of the fossil. The specific name, schroederi, honors the paleontologist who discovered the fossil, Robert Schroeder.

Koepallosuchus is notable for its unique skull structure, which is characterized by a large, hollowed-out area on the top of the skull. This hollow is believed to have been filled with air sacs, which may have been used for buoyancy or sound production. The fossil also exhibits other distinctive features, such as a long, narrow snout and a large, robust body.

The discovery of Koepallosuchus has provided valuable insights into the evolution of crocodilians and their adaptations to different environments. Its unique skull structure suggests that it may have had specialized adaptations for its aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle. However, further research is needed to fully understand the biology and behavior of this enigmatic crocodilian.