Meet Deinosuchus, a massive 'terror croc' that roamed with dinosaurs

Topic: Earth Science

A life-size replica of Deinosuchus schwimmeri, a giant prehistoric crocodile, has been built in the US. This animal was a top predator during the Cretaceous Period, and its fossil remains have been studied by Dr. David Schwimmer for over four decades.

Deinosuchus schwimmeri was a massive reptile that lived in what is now the eastern United States between 83 million and 76 million years ago.

It was almost as long as a school bus, measuring up to 31 feet (9.45 meters) in length. Despite its size, it belonged to an ancient lineage of crocodilians, which includes modern crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials.

The new replica was built by Triebold Paleontology Inc., a company that creates fossil skeleton models for museums and universities. The project took two years to complete and involved consultation with Dr. Schwimmer and the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.

Deinosuchus schwimmeri was a top predator during its time, and its powerful jaws would have allowed it to attack dinosaurs and other large animals that came near the water.

The replica is now on display at the Tellus Science Museum, where it will help visitors understand the region's ecosystem during the Cretaceous Period. The museum's director of education, Hannah Eisla, said that the addition of Deinosuchus schwimmeri allows them to provide a more detailed picture of this area's ecosystem in the past.

Dr. Schwimmer has spent over four decades studying the fossil remains of Deinosuchus schwimmeri and has written extensively on the subject. He was recognized for his work with the naming of the species, which is now housed in major repository museums such as the Smithsonian Institution and the American Museum of Natural History.

Why It Matters

Understanding how ancient ecosystems worked can help us better manage our own environment today. By studying Deinosuchus schwimmeri, we can learn more about the delicate balance between predators and prey in the past, which is crucial for conservation efforts in the present.

Key Facts

• Deinosuchus schwimmeri lived in what is now the eastern United States between 83 million and 76 million years ago.
• It was almost as long as a school bus, measuring up to 31 feet (9.45 meters) in length.
• The replica of Deinosuchus schwimmeri is on display at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.
• Dr. David Schwimmer has spent over four decades studying the fossil remains of Deinosuchus schwimmeri.
• Deinosuchus schwimmeri was a top predator during its time and had powerful jaws that would have allowed it to attack dinosaurs.

Key Terms

Cretaceous Period

A geological period that occurred from 145 million to 66 million years ago, characterized by the dominance of dinosaurs.

Implications

Understanding how ancient ecosystems worked can help us better manage our own environment today. By studying Deinosuchus schwimmeri, we can learn more about the delicate balance between predators and prey in the past, which is crucial for conservation efforts in the present.