Simosuchus, meaning “pug-nosed crocodile” in Greek, was an unusual extinct crocodilian relative that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago. Unlike the long-snouted, aquatic crocodiles we know today, this prehistoric creature had a distinctly short, broad snout and a compact body, setting it apart from its modern counterparts. Its fossils have been primarily discovered in the Maevarano Formation of the Mahajanga Province in northwestern Madagascar. The unique features of Simosuchus provide a glimpse into the diverse forms that crocodilian ancestors once took.
Its Peculiar Appearance
Simosuchus was a small animal, measuring around 0.75 meters (about 2.5 feet) in length as an adult. Its most striking feature was its short, deep snout, which resembled that of a modern pug. This contrasts sharply with the elongated, flattened skulls characteristic of most crocodilians. The front portion of its skull was angled downwards.
The teeth of Simosuchus were unusual for a crocodilian, being blunt and shaped like maple leaves or cloves, with multiple cusps. These specialized teeth, along with an anteriorly shifted jaw joint, indicate a diet different from typical crocodiles. Its body was stout and heavily armored, covered in bony plates called osteoderms. These osteoderms were tightly packed, forming flexible shields over its back, tail, and parts of its limbs.
Simosuchus possessed robust, short limbs and a reduced tail compared to other crocodilians. The forelimbs were longer than the hind limbs and featured large claws. This combination of a short tail and sturdy limbs points to a primarily terrestrial lifestyle, distinguishing it from modern crocodiles. Its compact form, combined with the extensive bony plating, gave it a somewhat squat, turtle-like appearance.
Living in Ancient Madagascar
Simosuchus inhabited ancient Madagascar during the Late Cretaceous period. The island had already separated from Gondwana, fostering a unique ecosystem where Simosuchus adapted. The Maevarano Formation, where its fossils are found, suggests a highly seasonal paleoclimate. This terrestrial crocodilian spent its life on land, unlike most modern crocodiles.
The unique teeth and jaw structure of Simosuchus suggest a herbivorous diet. Its blunt, multicusped teeth were well-suited for processing plant material. It consumed tough vegetation, possibly as a non-selective feeder. This plant-eating habit meant Simosuchus occupied a distinct ecological niche, even alongside large herbivorous dinosaurs like Rapetosaurus. Its robust limbs and shovel-like snout suggest it may have been capable of digging burrows for shelter.
A Croc Like No Other
Simosuchus is classified within Crocodyliformes, a group including modern crocodiles and their extinct relatives. It belongs to Notosuchia, a diverse lineage of terrestrial crocodyliforms common in the Southern Hemisphere during the Mesozoic Era. While modern crocodiles are often seen as “living fossils” due to their consistent body plan, Simosuchus challenges this notion by showcasing the diversity that once existed within the crocodilian lineage.
Its unique features, such as the pug-like snout, leaf-shaped teeth, and terrestrial, herbivorous lifestyle, represent a divergence from typical crocodyliforms. These adaptations allowed Simosuchus to fill ecological roles that other animals, including some dinosaurs, filled elsewhere. The study of Simosuchus has expanded our understanding of crocodilian evolution, revealing this group was more varied in form and function than commonly perceived. Its distinct morphology underscores its specialized evolutionary path.