simosuchids

Simosuchids were a group of small, herbivorous crocodylomorphs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. They are known from fossils found in Madagascar. The name "Simosuchus" means "snub-nosed crocodile," referring to the distinctive short, broad snout of the best-known genus, Simosuchus clarki. This snout shape is unusual for crocodylomorphs, which typically have elongated snouts. Simosuchids are characterized by their unusual morphology, including their short snouts, rounded skulls, and armored bodies. They possessed small, leaf-shaped teeth, adapted for a herbivorous diet, a stark contrast to the sharp, conical teeth of most modern and extinct crocodilians. Their bodies were covered in osteoderms, bony plates embedded in the skin, providing significant protection.

The discovery of Simosuchus clarki in the Maevarano Formation of Madagascar has provided considerable insight into their biology. They were relatively small animals, with adults measuring around 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length. Their herbivorous diet and unique body armor suggest a specialized ecological niche. Simosuchids are part of the Notosuchia clade, a diverse group of crocodylomorphs that were widespread during the Cretaceous. Their presence in Madagascar, which was part of the supercontinent Gondwana, highlights the unique evolutionary pathways that occurred on isolated landmasses. The extinction of simosuchids, like many other non-avian dinosaurs and crocodylomorphs, occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period.