proterochampsids

Proterochampsids were a group of extinct archosauriform reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period. They are primarily known from South America, with fossils found in Argentina and Brazil. These animals were medium-sized, quadrupedal predators, often resembling crocodiles in their general build. Their elongated snouts and powerful jaws suggest they were active hunters, likely preying on smaller vertebrates.

The exact phylogenetic placement of proterochampsids has been a subject of debate, but they are generally considered to be within the Pseudosuchia, a major clade of archosaurs that includes modern crocodilians. Some studies have placed them closer to the lineage that led to crocodylomorphs, while others suggest a more basal position within the broader group. Their distinctive features include a heavily armored body, a long tail, and a skull with prominent bony crests or flanges in some species.

Notable genera include Proterochampsa and Cerradopelta. Proterochampsa, the type genus, was characterized by its robust build and powerful limbs. Cerradopelta, discovered in Brazil, is distinguished by its exceptionally broad and flattened skull, which may have been an adaptation for a specific ecological niche, perhaps feeding on aquatic prey. The discovery of proterochampsids has provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of archosauriforms during the Triassic, a critical period for the diversification of reptiles that led to the evolution of dinosaurs and pterosaurs.