Two New Prehistoric Predators Identified in Fossils

Researchers have identified two previously unknown prehistoric species from fossils found in Morocco and the Isle of Wight, revealing distinct adaptations among Jurassic and Cretaceous predators. One was a crocodile relative with unusually fine teeth; the other was a long-clawed megaraptoran dinosaur, the first member of its group identified in Europe. The crocodile relative, named Ctenosuchus tenuidens, lived about 170 million years ago. Its fossils were found in southeastern Morocco, in rocks formed in ancient rivers and lakes. The animal had a long, narrow snout and closely spaced, needle-like teeth with specialised ridges, according to researchers from the University of Portsmouth and Hassan II University of Casablanca. Lead researcher Hamzah Imran said the teeth were too delicate for the animal to catch large, struggling prey. Researchers believe it probably ate soft, small aquatic creatures, such as shrimp, worms and tiny fish. That diet is an interpretation based on the fossil anatomy, rather than direct evidence of feeding behaviour.