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Fossils Reveal Sebecids Thrived in Caribbean Until 4.5 Million Years Ago

5/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Recent fossil discoveries in the Dominican Republic reveal that sebecids, massive crocodile-like reptiles, thrived until 4.5 million years ago—much longer than scientists previously believed. This exciting revelation indicates that the Caribbean served as their final sanctuary after disappearing from South America around 11 million years ago, possibly arriving on vegetation rafts.

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Story summary

Recent fossil discoveries in the Dominican Republic reveal that sebecids, massive crocodile-like reptiles, thrived until 4.5 million years ago—much longer than scientists previously believed. This exciting revelation indicates that the Caribbean served as their final sanctuary after disappearing from South America around 11 million years ago, possibly arriving on vegetation rafts.