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Researchers discover ancient tree-climbing 'drop crocs'

10 News First · Just In
10 News First
10 News First
Just In

Scientists at the University of New South Wales have identified a new species of ancient crocodile, known as the 'drop croc,' from 55-million-year-old eggshells found in Murgon, Australia.

Breakdown
  • A new species of crocodile, the 'drop croc,' has been identified from 55-million-year-old eggshells. 22s
  • These crocodiles, named Whack-a-loo-lithus, likely hunted by leaping from trees onto prey. 35s
  • The fossil eggshells were discovered in a backyard in Murgon in 1983 and later analyzed by an egg specialist in Spain. 50s
  • There is currently no accurate representation of these crocodiles, with AI used to visualize their possible appearance. 1m 17s
  • Further discoveries in Murgon are needed to better understand these ancient crocodiles. 1m 26s
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