The small predatory reptile lived among the many largest apex predators.June 20, 2024, 11:21 AM ET• 8 min readPaleontologists have found a brand new species of historic crocodile-like reptile that after roamed the lands and waters of Brazil.The fossils, present in a fossiliferous locality named “Linha Várzea 2” in southern Brazil, have now been dubbed Parvosuchus aurelioi, a brand new historic species of small predatory reptiles that date again roughly 237 million years in the past, in response to a paper revealed in Scientific Studies on Thursday.Paleontologist Rodrigo Müller holds the fossils of Parvosuchus aurelioi, an historic crocodile-like reptile present in Brazil.Janaina Model DillmannThe new species belongs to a gaggle of crocodile-like reptiles referred to as pseudosuchians and are the primary “unequivocal” gracilisuchid, an extinct genus of tiny pseudosuchians, Rodrigo Müller, a paleontologist on the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria and lead writer of the paper, instructed ABC Information by way of e-mail.Earlier than dinosaurs dominated the earth, pseudosuchians have been a typical type of reptile through the Triassic Interval.The fossils have been found in fossiliferous beds that precede those housing the oldest dinosaurs, giving scientists clues on the “ecosystems that existed earlier than the daybreak of the dinosaur period,” Müller stated.”The presence of this small predator amongst fossils of a lot bigger predators means that these ecosystems, the place Brazil is situated right now, have been extra advanced than beforehand imagined,” he stated.Center-Late Triassic panorama of southern Brazil depicting a big Prestosuchus chiniquensis feeding on the carcass of a dicynodont whereas people of Parvosuchus aurelioi compete for scraps.Matheus FernandesGracilisuchids are extraordinarily uncommon, Müller stated, including that there are solely different three species worldwide: two from China and one from Argentina.The smaller pseudosuchians lived alongside the bigger apex predators, in response to the paper.The Parvosuchus aurelioi fossils encompass a partial skeleton, together with a whole cranium, which incorporates the decrease jaw, 11 dorsal vertebrae, a pelvis and partially preserved limbs.Fossil cranium of Parvosuchus aurelioi below mechanical preparation.Janaina Model DillmannThe stays have been coated by a thick layer of rock, with just some parts of the vertebrae seen at first look, Müller stated. After utilizing acid options and pneumatic hammers through the preparation course of, components of the skull appeared from the rock, revealing a whole cranium, he added.”The second once I realized that the cranium was embedded within the rock was gorgeous,” Müller stated. “As I slowly eliminated a layer of rock, a part of the orbital rim was uncovered. It was as if this animal was taking a look at me, as if it had been ready all these limitless years to inform its story.”The cranium measures at lower than 6 inches in size and options lengthy slender jaws with pointed enamel that curved backwards, in addition to a number of cranium openings.Müller estimates the animal was about 6.5 ft lengthy and had a protracted tail. It doubtless stood on 4 legs that have been tailored to stroll on land and had blade-like enamel that might tear flesh.Fossil of Parvosuchus aurelioi.Janaina Model DillmannThe fossil additionally had a evenly constructed skeleton, indicating that the animal was an agile hunter, Müller stated.After cautious examination of the “each anatomical element” of the fossil, researchers observed traits that had not been seen in different related animals, Müller stated.”At this level, it was clear that I had a wholly unknown species on my arms,” he stated.Inventive reconstruction of two people of Parvosuchus aurelioi in a Triassic panorama.Matheus FernandesThere is not any clear knowledge on what led to the extinction of the gracilisuchids, however a believable speculation can be competitors with the primary dinosaurs or the local weather modifications that occurred through the late Triassic Interval, when the earth warmed as a consequence of large volcanic eruptions that launched massive quantities of carbon dioxide into the ambiance.Its title derives from the Latin phrases “parvus” for “small” and “suchus” for “crocodile” and was additionally named to honor paleontologist Pedro Lucas Porcela Aurélio, who found the fossil supplies.