New Triassic Crocodylomorph Discovered in UK

A new species of crocodylomorph, an early relative of modern crocodiles, has been identified from the Triassic period in Gloucester, UK. This animal, dating back approximately 215 million years, was a fast-moving, land-dwelling predator.

Unlike contemporary crocodiles, this ancient relative possessed long, slender legs and a lightweight body structure, indicating an adaptation for speed on land.

It likely hunted small reptiles, amphibians, and early mammals in an elevated landscape characterized by hot, dry plains.

Naming the Discovery

The species' name incorporates a reference to Arthurian legend and a personal tribute. The first component alludes to Galahad, a knight known for his upright character, which reflects the animal's upright posture. The second component honors David Rhys Jones, a secondary school physics teacher who taught the study's lead author.

Ewan Bodenham, a PhD student at the Natural History Museum London and UCL and lead author, stated that the teacher's ability to explain scientific concepts and challenge students was inspirational.

Fossil Origin

The fossil remains were found in fissure deposits located on both sides of the Bristol Channel in southern Wales and southwest England. These deposits are formed when deceased animals are washed into underground cavities and subsequently buried by sediment. The deposits also yielded fossils of Terrestrisuchus, another early land-dwelling crocodylomorph with slender legs.

Identification Process

Ewan Bodenham's PhD research focuses on the evolutionary relationships of these early crocodiles. A detailed anatomical description of the specimen was conducted, comparing it to other early crocodiles, including Terrestrisuchus. Researchers identified 13 distinct anatomical differences, which confirmed the specimen represented a new species.

Ecological Insights

This discovery contributes to the understanding of species present in the Late Triassic ecosystems of the region. It provides further insight into the period immediately preceding the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction, an event linked to volcanic activity and climate change.

Studying pre-extinction species and their responses to environmental shifts can inform understanding of life's adaptation during major environmental upheavals.

The new species is formally described in the paper 'A second species of non-crocodyliform crocodylomorph from the Late Triassic fissure deposits of southwestern UK: implications for locomotory ecological diversity in Saltoposuchidae,' published in The Anatomical Record.