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Extinct Crocodilian Fossil Found in Sphinx Rocks
Developing
In Short: Scientists have discovered a fossil of an extinct crocodilian species, Herugavialis, in the limestone rocks used to construct the Great Sphinx of Giza.
The fossil, which dates back 45 million years, was found missing the tip of its snout, much like the Sphinx itself.
This crocodilian belongs to the gavial family, a group of large, critically endangered fish-eating reptiles with long, slender snouts.
The team of researchers compared the fossil's measurements to those of living and fossil gavials and concluded that it represents a previously undescribed genus.
The discovery highlights the rich fossil record of the area, with fish, sharks, and mammals also found in the same geologic formation.
Gavials today are only found in freshwater environments, making the coastal habitat of this ancient species particularly noteworthy.
"So many species are found from the same [geologic] formation," said Burke, currently at the Sweden Museum of Natural History.
"But this is the first one with the name associated with the Sphinx," Burke added.
"So, we should know about them and their long history," Burke emphasized.
What this adds
The limestone formation used for the Sphinx has yielded numerous fossils, indicating a diverse ecosystem in the region millions of years ago.
What's still developing
- Much like the huge statue that was born from the same rocks, Herugavialis is missing its nose Some 45 million years ago, Herugavialis (shown) snatched up fish in the coastal waters of the Tethys Ocean.
- The crocodilian has been identified as a unique branch of the gavial family tree.
- Fossils of extinct gavials have been found around the world.
- Most living crocodilians are in either the crocodile or alligator families.
Sources
- Science Newslink