Deinosuchus

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While the Deinosuchus is significantly larger, its overall morphology is similar to that of modern alligators. A long and broad snout, a quadrupedal walking style, and a powerfully muscular tail which allows for surprising speed in the water. The fact that this body plan has persisted for over 80 million years of evolution shows just how successful it is. Owing to its size, the Deinosuchus also boasts a bite force more powerful than that of a Tyrannosaurus rex, far surpassing that of any modern alligatoroid.

Discovery

The first fragmentary remains of the Deinosuchus were discovered in 1858 by Ebenezer Emmons, who described two large fossilised teeth. He noted that there was “no doubt as to their generic identity” as belonging to a crocodilian, but it wasn’t until 1903 that the species was formally described after a dig in Montana. As fossils were uncovered, it became clear that the bones belonged to a crocodilian and not a dinosaur. In 1904, the paleontologist W. J. Holland dubbed the new species Deinosuchus, meaning ‘terrible crocodile’.

Palaeoecology

Deinosuchus fossils have been discovered across a wide swathe of North America, and its presence as an apex predator in Appalachia is thought to be why there are fewer Late Cretaceous predatory theropods found there. The Deinosuchus thrived in coastal habitats, lurking in the water to ambush large prey. But, as the Western Interior Seaway dried over time, this coastal habitat disappeared and the Deinosuchus as a species declined.