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New Crocodyliform Species Unveiled: Thikarisuchus Xenodentes

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Paleontologists in southwest Montana identified the crocodyliform species Thikarisuchus xenodentes, dating to about 95 million years ago near the Western Interior Seaway.
Juvenile measured about 2 feet long and was likely buried in a burrow.
Researchers propose a new family, Wannchampsidae, linked to Eurasian Atoposauridae.
Findings show convergent evolution among distantly related crocodyliforms due to environmental similarities.

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Story summary

Paleontologists in southwest Montana identified the crocodyliform species Thikarisuchus xenodentes, dating to about 95 million years ago near the Western Interior Seaway.
Juvenile measured about 2 feet long and was likely buried in a burrow.
Researchers propose a new family, Wannchampsidae, linked to Eurasian Atoposauridae.
Findings show convergent evolution among distantly related crocodyliforms due to environmental similarities.