In Depth Rutiodon was one of the earliest known phytosaurs, and to this day is one that is usually illustrated as an example of the group. Like with the other phytosaurs, Rutiodon had an incredible similarity to today’s crocodiles, something that still to this day causes some to incorrectly call phytosaurs ancient crocodiles. In actuality … Read more
In Depth Smilosuchus was originally assigned as a large species of Leptosuchus and was classed as the species Leptosuchus gregorii. A key characteristic of the species was the pronounced nasal crest that supported the nostrils (the nostrils in phytosaurs were higher up the snout in front of the eyes, rather than on the end of … Read more
In Depth Nicrosaurus is another one of the phytosaurs, reptiles that have a striking similarity to modern crocodiles, although the position of the nostrils higher up the snout and in front of the eyes is a dead giveaway that Nicrosaurus is a phytosaur (crocodiles have their nostrils on the tips of their snouts). Nicrosaurus is … Read more
In Depth Just like the later crocodiles, the phytosaurs evolved a variety of different head shapes that saw some of them becoming specialised hunters. In this respect Mystriosuchus developed a very thin snout that saw it take on a resemblance to a modern day gavial, but did so long before the crocodiles. This is a … Read more