A new study from researchers at @helsinki.fi has found that giant crocodylians were the most significant group of predators in South America during the Miocene period 🐊

Learn more 👉 spr.ly/63326BG0Syi

#Paleontology #Miocene #crocodylians

While I'm here... if you want a quick guide to crocodylomorph diversity, history and anatomy, here's a reminder of this giant poster I made. I need to get it on sale again.... tetzoo.com/blog/2026/6/... #crocodylomorphs #crocodylians #crocodiles #herpetology #reptiles

Aoki actually argued for the distinct status of Mecistops in 1976 and 1992 but regarded it as a close relative of gharials and false gharials (a view not supported by molecular or anatomical data). Indeed, the common name 'African gharial' has sometimes been used for this taxon. #crocodylians

Genetic data showing Mecistops to be far removed from Crocodylus (as far removed as Osteolaemus) was published in 2003; it led to a resurrection of distinct generic status originally suggested by John E. Gray back in 1844. #crocodylians #herpetology #reptiles