Chimaerasuchus
Extinct genus of reptiles / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chimaerasuchus ("chimera crocodile") is an extinct genus of Chinese crocodyliform from the Early Cretaceous Wulong Formation. The four teeth in the very tip of its short snout gave it a "bucktoothed" appearance. Due its multicusped teeth and marked heterodonty, it is believed to have been an herbivore. Chimaerasuchus was originally discovered in the 1960s but not identified as a crocodyliform until 1995, instead thought to possibly be a multituberculate mammal. It is highly unusual, as only two other crocodyliforms (Notosuchus and an unnamed specimen from Malawi) have displayed any characteristics resembling its adaptations to herbivory.[1][2]
Quick Facts Scientific classification, Type species ...
Chimaerasuchus | |
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Chimaerasuchus paradoxus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Clade: | Archosauria |
Clade: | Pseudosuchia |
Clade: | Crocodylomorpha |
Clade: | Crocodyliformes |
Clade: | †Notosuchia |
Family: | †Chimaerasuchidae |
Genus: | †Chimaerasuchus Wu et al., 1995 |
Type species | |
†Chimaerasuchus paradoxus Wu et al., 1995 |
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