Simosuchus clarki is an extinct species of archosaur reptile belonging to the crocodyliform group. It lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago, in what is now Madagascar. It was discovered in 1993 by the American paleontologist David W. Krause and other members of his team.
Simosuchus clarki is distinguished by its unusually large and broad head. It had a robust and broad skull, with a row of conical, pointed teeth at the front of the jaw. These teeth allowed it to efficiently catch and hold prey.
Unlike modern crocodiles, Simosuchus clarki was a terrestrial animal and probably led a semi-aquatic lifestyle similar to modern alligators. It is believed to have been an active predator, hunting small vertebrates, such as reptiles and mammals, that inhabited its environment.
This reptile reached an estimated size of just under 1 meter and in addition to its distinctive skull, Simosuchus clarki was characterized by its short and robust limbs, adapted for walking on dry land.
The discovery of Simosuchus clarki has provided valuable information on crocodilian evolution and diversity in the past. Its unique skull and terrestrial lifestyle set it apart from other known crocodilians, making it an important fossil for understanding the evolutionary history of this group of reptiles.
Approximate measurements of the Simosuchus:
- 1:35 scale - 130 mm
- 1:10 scale - 105 mm
- 1:6 - 190 mm
