Are Crocodiles Descendants of Dinosaurs?

Quck answer

Crocodiles are not actual descendants of dinosaurs, but they are closely related to them. Both crocodiles and dinosaurs belong to the group of reptiles known as archosaurs. However, dinosaurs are classified as a separate group within archosaurs, while crocodiles are part of a group called crocodylomorphs. Crocodiles evolved from a common ancestor with dinosaurs, but their line diverged about 200 million years ago, during the Triassic period. Despite this evolutionary split, crocodiles have retained many features that are similar to those of their dinosaur ancestors, such as their powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and armored skin.

Wild Animals

The crocodile family consists of 23 species. Check out more photos of reptiles.
©­iStockphoto/podgorsek

Crocodiles have evolved over the course of 200 million years, during the Mesozoic epoch and have outlasted dinosaurs. They can be found in more than 90 countries, inhabiting freshwater rivers, streams and marshes. The Crocodylia order consists of 23 species which are separated into three families: alligatoridae (alligators and caimans), crocodylidae (crocodiles) and gavialidae (gharials).

Crocodiles are known for their vocalizations which can indicate anything from courtship to distress. They mostly feed on frogs, fish, turtles and other vertebrates. To help them float, many crocodiles ingest rocks to weigh down their centers of gravity. Evolutionary biologists believe that crocodiles’ aquatic nature may have helped them survive the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs and crocodiles are both reptiles and share cold-blooded circulations that rely on the environment to heat and cool. They also have physical similarities such as rubbery skin and fierce teeth and claws. However, scientists agree that birds, not crocodiles, are the descendants of dinosaurs. Nevertheless, birds and crocodiles are the only extant species that share a common ancestor with dinosaurs.

Crocodiles belong to the Reptilia taxonomic class along with other creepy crawlers such as snakes and lizards. According to paleontologists, birds are also part of this category. Surprisingly, crocodiles are more closely related to birds than they are to snakes and lizards.

The prehistoric creature called the archosaur is the common ancestor that links crocodiles, birds and dinosaurs. Archosaurs, also known as the ruling reptiles, originated about 250 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. The characteristic that unifies archosaurs is two openings on the side of their skulls. They can be divided into two groups: bird crocodiles (Ornithosuchia) and false crocodiles (Pseudosuchia). Crocodiles belong to the bird crocodiles and not the false crocodiles.

Crocodile Family Tree

Crocodiles are more closely related to birds than lizards.
©­iStockphoto/unclegene

A cladogram can visually illustrate how the various taxons are related to one another. All the descendants of one common ancestor are referred to collectively as a monophyletic taxon. The unlikely bond between birds and crocodiles can be explained through their common ancestors.

For instance, corn is a commodity that links all corn-based products such as cereal, syrup, plastic, and biofuels. Similarly, crocodiles, birds, and dinosaurs can be linked through the archosaur, the prehistoric creature that serves as our umbrella.

The classification of dinosaurs and crocodiles is connected through their common ancestor, the archosaur, but they evolved separately. Despite surviving an asteroid blast, some crocodile species are now threatened by habitat destruction and are on the verge of extinction. The Chinese alligator and Philippine crocodile are the most endangered. Crocodiles produce tears, but they serve no emotional purpose. Birds are believed to be closer to dinosaurs than reptiles because they share a common ancestor, theropods. Prehistoric crocodiles were called archosaurs and originated over 250 million years ago. A list of related articles and sources for more information is provided. The article was originally published on March 9, 2009.

FAQ

1. Are crocodiles related to dinosaurs?

Yes, crocodiles are related to dinosaurs. Both crocodiles and dinosaurs belong to the group called archosaurs. This means that they share a common ancestor that lived about 250 million years ago.

2. Did crocodiles live during the time of dinosaurs?

Yes, crocodiles lived during the time of dinosaurs. In fact, crocodiles have been around for over 200 million years and have outlasted many species of dinosaurs.

3. Are crocodiles considered to be living fossils?

Yes, crocodiles are considered to be living fossils. They have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years and have survived many major extinction events.

4. How did crocodiles evolve over time?

Crocodiles have evolved over time to become more efficient predators. Their bodies have become more streamlined, their jaws have become stronger, and their brains have become larger.

5. What is the closest living relative to crocodiles?

The closest living relative to crocodiles is the bird. Both crocodiles and birds belong to the archosaur group, which means they share a common ancestor.

6. Are all crocodiles the same?

No, there are many different species of crocodile, each with its own unique characteristics. Some species are large and aggressive, while others are small and relatively docile.

7. How do crocodiles hunt their prey?

Crocodiles are ambush predators. They will lie in wait for their prey and then launch a surprise attack. They use their powerful jaws to grab and kill their prey, and then swallow it whole.

8. Are crocodiles dangerous to humans?

Yes, crocodiles can be very dangerous to humans. They are powerful predators and can attack without warning. It is important to stay away from crocodiles in their natural habitat.

9. How can you tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?

There are a few key differences between crocodiles and alligators. Crocodiles have a more V-shaped snout, while alligators have a more U-shaped snout. Also, when an alligator’s mouth is closed, you can see its upper teeth, while with a crocodile, you can see both the upper and lower teeth.