In a surprising twist of paleontological discovery, researchers have unearthed a new species of ancient crocodile relative from the Triassic era, challenging existing narratives of coastal life during the dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs.
Named Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis, this newfound species was recently described in a study published in Biology Letters, marking a significant addition to our understanding of pseudosuchian archosaurs.
Dr. Nate Smith, the lead author of the study and Gretchen Augustyn Director and Curator at the Dinosaur Institute of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, expressed enthusiasm about the implications of their findings. He noted, “This exciting new species demonstrates that pseudosuchians were occupying coastal habitats on a global basis during the Middle Triassic.”
The discovery site in Nevada’s Favret Formation, known for yielding fossils of sea creatures like ammonites and marine reptiles such as giant ichthyosaurs, initially puzzled researchers. Co-author Dr. Nicole Klein from the University of Bonn remarked, “Our first reaction was: What the hell is this? We were expecting marine reptiles, not a terrestrial animal among the ichthyosaurs and ammonites.”
Pseudosuchian archosaurs, relatives of modern crocodilians, were previously known from coastal regions near the ancient Tethys Ocean but had not been identified in the Panthalassan Ocean or the western hemisphere until now. This finding suggests that these crocodile kin were widespread along Triassic coastlines, adapting independently across different evolutionary groups to life in coastal environments.
According to Smith, “It appears that various archosauriform groups were experimenting with coastal lifestyles during the Middle Triassic. However, these ‘experiments’ did not necessarily lead to widespread radiations of semi-aquatic groups.”
During the Triassic period, archosaurs rose to prominence, eventually splitting into two main groups: dinosaurs (ancestors of birds) and crocodilians (descendants of pseudosuchian archosaurs like Benggwigwishingasuchus). The newly discovered species exemplifies the diversity of early pseudosuchians following the mass extinction at the end of the Permian period, showcasing a period of ecological and morphological experimentation.
The name Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis pays homage to the original inhabitants of the Augusta Mountains, where the fossil was found, combining Shoshone and Greek roots to signify “Fisherman Croc’s Desert Song.” This nod to cultural and historical context underscores the interdisciplinary nature of paleontological research.
Smith emphasized, “While much attention is given to the origin of dinosaurs in the Triassic, pseudosuchians were the ones making significant ecological strides at the beginning of the Mesozoic era.” From giants like Mambawakale ruhuhu to the smaller Benggwigwishingasuchus, these ancient reptiles played pivotal roles in shaping early terrestrial and coastal ecosystems.
Although only fragments of Benggwigwishingasuchus’ skull have been recovered, its well-preserved limbs suggest a creature adapted to life near the shoreline, without typical aquatic adaptations like flippers. Details about its feeding habits and behaviors remain elusive, leaving tantalizing gaps in our understanding of its ecological niche.
The discovery of Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis shows the dynamic nature of Triassic ecosystems and highlights the ongoing surprises awaiting paleontologists in Earth’s deep past. As research continues to uncover new fossils and refine our knowledge of ancient life, Benggwigwishingasuchus stands as a testament to the diversity and adaptability of early archosaurs in the ever-changing landscapes of prehistoric Earth.
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