What is deinosuchus?

Deinosuchus: The Terror Crocodile

Deinosuchus was a large, extinct crocodilian relative that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 82 to 73 million years ago. Its name translates to "terrible crocodile."

• Size and Appearance: Deinosuchus was one of the largest crocodilians to ever live. Estimates suggest it could reach lengths of up to 33-40 feet (10-12 meters) and weigh several tons. It possessed a massive, heavily armored body with a broad, powerful snout. Unlike modern crocodiles, Deinosuchus had a slightly bulbous snout tip.

• Habitat: Deinosuchus inhabited a variety of environments, including coastal swamps, lagoons, and estuaries. Fossils have been found in what are now states like Montana, Wyoming, Texas, and North Carolina.

• Diet: Being an apex predator, Deinosuchus likely preyed on a wide range of animals. Its powerful jaws and teeth were capable of crushing turtle shells, dinosaur bones, and other tough materials. Fossil evidence suggests it may have hunted large dinosaurs, as some dinosaur bones show bite marks consistent with Deinosuchus dentition. It likely also consumed large fish, turtles, and other aquatic animals.

• Discovery and Classification: The first remains of Deinosuchus were discovered in the 1850s. Initially, it was classified as a species of Phobosuchus, another extinct crocodilian. However, further discoveries and analysis led to its reclassification as a distinct genus, Deinosuchus. Different species of Deinosuchus have been proposed over time.

• Extinction: Deinosuchus went extinct before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs. The reasons for its extinction are not fully understood, but changes in its environment, competition with other predators, or a combination of factors may have played a role.

Here are some links for further information:

• Size and Appearance
• Habitat
• Diet
• Extinction