Paleontologists made a remarkable discovery in Queensland, Australia: a 93-million-year-old crocodile fossil containing the remains of a baby dinosaur in its stomach. This ancient beast has been dubbed Confractosuchus Sauroktonos, meaning 'broken crocodile dinosaur killer', by experts. Estimated to have reached a length of about 2.5 meters, this formidable predator likely met its demise in a flood event, leaving behind a fossilized legacy that has intrigued researchers.
The fossil, with approximately 35 percent preservation, offers tantalizing glimpses into the anatomy of this prehistoric reptile. Among the well-preserved features are a near-complete skull and fearsome teeth, providing valuable insights into its predatory nature.
Employing cutting-edge technology such as 3D scans and X-rays, scientists delved deeper into the fossil's mysteries. These advanced imaging techniques revealed intriguing details about the crocodile's last moments, suggesting it met its demise during a significant flood event that subsequently led to its burial and fossilization.
ANSTO scientists used nuclear techniques to shed light on the feeding habits of a 93million-year-old crocodile (Image: ANSTO)
One of the most startling revelations came from the examination of the crocodile's stomach contents. Initial scans unveiled bones resembling those of a chicken-sized juvenile dinosaur, indicating the crocodile's last meal before its untimely demise. However, the exact species of the dinosaur remains a mystery, leaving researchers eager to unlock further secrets hidden within the fossil.
A baby dinosaur was found within the ancient croc's stomach (Image: ANSTO)
Dr. Joseph Bevitt, a co-author of the study, emphasized the crucial role of advanced imaging techniques in uncovering the fossil's secrets. 3D digital scans guided the meticulous preparation of the crocodile specimen, allowing researchers to precisely locate and study its bones. The team's efforts culminated in a groundbreaking discovery: evidence that the crocodile's last meal was indeed a partially digested juvenile dinosaur, shedding new light on ancient predator-prey dynamics and offering invaluable insights into Earth's distant past.
