A recent discovery has shed light on a 215 million-year-old crocodile ancestor species, known as aetosaurs, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. The study, led by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and published in the journal The Anatomical Record, introduces a new aetosaur species named Garzapelta muelleri.
Aetosaurs, resembling modern crocodiles, thrived during the Triassic Period, predating the Jurassic Period by millions of years. Fossils of aetosaurs have been unearthed on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, indicating their widespread presence during the ancient era.
The fossilized dorsal carapace of Garzapelta muelleri, comprising the heavily armored plating that covered its back, is an impressive 70% complete. This remarkable finding provides valuable insights into the physical characteristics of this ancient species, with major pieces from the neck and shoulder region to the end of its tail intact.
The exterior of Garzapelta’s skeleton, known as the osteoderm, consists of rock-hard plates and curved spikes made of bone, resembling a combination of modern-day crocodile and armadillo features. This unique amalgamation sets it apart from its modern cousin, the carnivorous crocodile.
Contrary to its carnivorous modern relatives, the study suggests that Garzapelta muelleri was largely omnivorous, adding an intriguing dimension to our understanding of the species’ dietary habits. The name ‘Garzapelta muelleri’ pays homage to its place of discovery, Garza County in northwest Texas, and incorporates ‘pelta,’ the Latin word for shield, symbolizing the species’ armor-like shell. The second part of the name, ‘muelleri,’ honors Bill Mueller, the paleontologist from Texas Tech University who initially discovered the fossilized skeleton in 1989.
