Lorosuchus: Research Database
Archosauria (Reptilia) · Middle Triassic (~245 MYA) · South America — Argentina
Research Note: Lorosuchus was an early archosaur from the Middle Triassic of Argentina — an important taxon for understanding archosaur evolution before the diversification of dinosaurs and crocodiles.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Schoch & Desojo 2016: Lorosuchus and new data on archosaur diversity from the Triassic of Argentina
Schoch & Desojo 2016 provide comprehensive data on Lorosuchus from the Middle Triassic of Argentina, establishing it as an early archosaur and documenting archosaur diversity in the Triassic of South America
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Confirmed | A | 2016 | Fossil | Schoch & Desojo, Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | Diversity |
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Lucas & Heckert 2001: Lorosuchus and additional data on archosaur paleobiology
Lucas & Heckert 2001 provide additional data on Lorosuchus and archosaur paleobiology, further contextualising its significance within Archosauria
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Confirmed | B | 2001 | Fossil | Lucas & Heckert, Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | Paleobiology |
Active Debate: Early Archosaur Evolution
Whether Lorosuchus is basal to other archosaurs is debated. The evolution of archosaurs in the Triassic — and the rise of dinosaurs and crocodiles — is key to understanding the Triassic ecosystem revolution.
What We Still Do Not Know About Lorosuchus
- Complete skeletal morphology: Partial specimen known.
- Diet: Carnivore.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
- Relationships: Partially understood.
In Depth
The genus Lorosuchus represents one of if not the most primitive sebecid crocodiles currently known. Lorosuchus is named after the Rio Loro Formation where the holotype fossils were discovered.
Further Reading
– A new sebecid mesoeucrocodylian from the Rio Loro Formation (Palaeocene) of north-western Argentina. – Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 163:S7-S36. – D. Pol & J. E. Powell – 2011.
