korostusuch

Korostusuch is a genus of extinct crocodyliforms that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Argentina. The name Korostusuch is derived from the Greek word "koros," meaning "young," and "suchos," meaning "crocodile," referring to its relatively small size and basal phylogenetic position within the Notosuchia clade. The type species, Korostusuch paulista, was described in 2009.

Fossils of Korostusuch have been found in the Adamantina Formation of the Bauru Basin. This formation is known for its rich deposits of dinosaur and crocodyliform remains, dating to the Maastrichtian stage. Korostusuch is characterized by a suite of features that distinguish it from other notosuchians. These include a relatively short and broad snout, a distinctively shaped skull roof, and specific dental arrangements.

As a notosuchian, Korostusuch was likely a terrestrial or semi-terrestrial predator. Notosuchians are a diverse group of crocodyliforms that exhibit a wide range of adaptations, including herbivory and cursoriality, in addition to the more typical predatory lifestyles of their ancestors. The phylogenetic placement of Korostusuch within Notosuchia suggests it represents an early divergence within this successful lineage. Further discoveries of Korostusuch fossils could provide more insights into the paleobiology and evolutionary history of this intriguing extinct crocodyliform and the Late Cretaceous ecosystems of South America.