Frozen in time for 12 million years: scientists have uncovered the remains of a unique crocodile.

Paleontologists in Peru have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved fossil of a juvenile gharial, a species of marine crocodiles, estimated to be between 10 and 12 million years old. The fossil, found in the Ocucaje Desert, is located approximately 350 kilometers south of Lima and measures three meters in length.

https://focus.ua/technologies/680960-zamer-vo-vremeni-na-12-millionov-let-uchenye-obnaruzhili-ostanki-unikalnogo-krokodila2024-11-29 07:47:50

The discovery made by paleontologists marks a significant milestone, as it represents the first documented juvenile specimen of this species, indicating that it had not yet reached its full adult size at the time of its demise. Vertebrate paleontologist Mario Gamarra, who led the reconstruction, noted the pronounced physical characteristics of this ancient crocodile. Unlike modern crocodiles and alligators, this gharial had a distinctly elongated snout, adapted exclusively for a fish-based diet, resembling the contemporary Indian gharial in its piscivorous habits. Gamarra emphasized the importance of this finding for understanding the evolutionary pathways and ecological roles of prehistoric crocodiles, as reported by GMA News Online.

The excavations were conducted through a collaborative effort between the Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute of Peru and La Union School. This area of the Ocucaje desert has previously yielded numerous fossils from the Miocene epoch, ranging from dwarf whales and dolphins to sharks, highlighting its status as a paleontological treasure trove.

The broader context of this discovery situates it within the rich timeline of marine evolution during the Miocene epoch—a period spanning approximately 5 to 23 million years ago. Such fossils provide invaluable insights into the marine biodiversity and climatic shifts of that era, aiding scientists in reconstructing ancient ecosystems and tracing the lineage of modern animal species.

In terms of global significance, the Indian gharial, one of the closest living relatives of the recently discovered fossil, is currently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered. This adds particular importance to the discovery, offering a glimpse into species that have survived for millions of years but are now facing contemporary threats associated with habitat loss and human activities, teetering on the brink of extinction.