Scientists have uncovered a massive ancient crocodile relative in Egypt’s Western Desert. The new fossil species, named Wadisuchus kassabi, measures a jaw-dropping 13 feet long and dates back to the Campanian period—about 80 million years ago. This remarkable discovery extends what we know about the evolutionary history of the Dyrosauridae family and cements Egypt’s Western Desert as a hotspot for early marine crocodile evolution.
The fossil sheds new light on how ancient crocodile relatives adapted and thrived in prehistoric marine ecosystems. Wadisuchus kassabi’s size and features show that these fearsome reptiles ruled the waters long before modern crocodiles ever snapped their first meal. The discovery proves Egypt was not just for pharaohs and pyramids—it was also the realm of gigantic, toothy reptiles lurking in ancient seas.
Honestly, if you thought swimming in Egypt’s rivers today was risky, imagine sharing the water with a 13-foot crocodile ancestor. Maybe ancient Egyptians didn’t just fear the Nile for its currents!
Why This Discovery Matters
- Extends the timeline of Dyrosauridae evolution
- Highlights Egypt’s role in ancient marine life evolution
- Offers new insights for paleontologists studying prehistoric reptiles
Sources:
scitechdaily.com
