Australia's oldest crocodile eggshells reveal ancient 'drop-crocs'
Oldest crocodile eggshells found in Australia hint at tree-dwelling 'drop-crocs' from 55 million years ago.
Why it matters
- Reveals ancient crocodile diversity and ecosystems.
- Shows how fossil records inform modern conservation.
By the numbers
- Eggshells are 55 million years old.
- Mekosuchines dominated inland waters millions of years before modern crocs arrived (~3.8 million years ago).
The big picture
- Some mekosuchines may have been semi-arboreal, hunting from trees like leopards.
- Eggshells provide clues about reproductive strategies and environmental adaptation.
What they're saying
- Humorous comment on 'drop bears.'
- Study details shared by a user, highlighting international collaboration.
Caveats
- Interpretations based on fossil evidence require further validation.
What’s next
- More research on mekosuchine adaptations and fossil insights for conservation.