Scientists tap into mind of 'most adorable' Trilophosuchus rackhami crocodile
ABCWeighing up to 2 kilograms and measuring between 70 and 90 centimetres, Trilophosuchus rackhami would have been the "most adorable reptile" roaming north-west Queensland about 13.5 million years ago, scientists say. Key points: Trilophosuchus means 'three-crested' and rackhami is for Riversleigh Fossil Centre manager Alan Rackham A PhD candidate has uncovered new information about the creature's behaviours and relationship with other species UQ's Jorgo Ristevski hopes the information will help scientists better understand crocodiles For the first time, researchers have used CT scanning technology to reveal previously unknown details about the creature's anatomy and its connections to species in other parts of the world. University of Queensland's Faculty of Science PhD candidate Jorgo Ristevski led the research that examined the skull of Trilophosuchus rackhami. "For one of the studies, I digitally reconstructed the brain cavity of Trilophosuchus rackhami and found that it resembles that of some distantly related and potentially terrestrial extinct crocs from Africa and South America that existed 50 to 100 million years ago," he said.
Discover Related
