Elosuchus: Research Database
Theropoda · Cretaceous · Unknown
Research Note: Elosuchus was a theropoda from the Cretaceous of Unknown, providing important data on prehistoric life and ecosystem dynamics.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
de Lapparent de Broin 2002: Elosuchus and related taxa Comptes Rendus Palevol | Confirmed | A | 2002 | Fossil | de Lapparent de Broin, Comptes Rendus Palevol | Taxonomy |
Young Hastings Allain 2016: Elosuchus and related taxa Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | Confirmed | C | 2016 | Fossil | Young Hastings Allain, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | Taxonomy |
What We Still Do Not Know About Elosuchus
- Complete skeletal morphology and ecological role.
- Phylogenetic relationships within Theropoda.
- Distribution and evolutionary history.
In Depth
Originally described as a species of Thoracosaurus, T. cherifiensis was established as a distinct genus in 2002, creating Elosuchus. Elosuchus was a marine crocodile that that possibly spent most of its life in the water. The gharial -like snout is suggestive that Elosuchus was more of a fish hunter.
Further Reading
- Elosuchus, a new genus of crocodile from the Lower Cretaceous of the north of Africa. - Comptes Rendus Palevol 1:275-285 - F. de Lapparent de Broin - 2002. - Revision and phylogenetic affinities of Elosuchus (Crocodyliformes). - Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 179 (1) - Louise M. V. Meunier; Hans C. E. Larsson - 2016 – Revision of the enigmatic crocodyliform Elosuchus felixi de Lapparent de Broin, 2002 from the Lower–Upper Cretaceous boundary of Niger: potential evidence for an early origin of the clade Dyrosauridae. – Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. – Mark T. Young, Alexander K. Hastings, Ronan Allain & Thomas J. Smith – 2016.
