Ancient crocodiles imitated whales to dominate Jurassic seas, university finds

[Eugene]

Related: Inner ear sensory system changes as extinct crocodylomorphs transitioned from land to water (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

______________________________________________________________________

Source: Press Association

4 hrs ago

Ancient crocodiles imitated whales to dominate Jurassic seas, university finds

By Press Association 2020

Deadly prehistoric crocodiles mimicked the shape and senses of whales and dolphins to dominate Jurassic seas, new research has found.

The extinct crocodiles, thalattosuchia, evolved from their land-living ancestors to become fast swimming predators.

They adapted their limbs into flippers, streamlined their bodies and formed fluked tails to help them move powerfully through the water.

Experts from the University of Edinburgh have also found they adapted a part of the inner ear, responsible for balance and equilibrium, as they gradually adjusted to their new ocean home 170 million years ago.

Paleontologists analysed CAT scans of more than a dozen fossil skulls to examine the vestibular system of the inner ear, which comprises of three looping semicircular canals and helps with balance and spatial awareness.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/national/18392722.ancient-crocodiles-imitated-whales-dominate-jurassic-seas-university-finds/


Prehistoric aquatic crocodiles adapted their skeletons to become better swimmers (Dmitry Bogdanov/PA)

[eppur_se_muova]

1. "Hey, wanna hear me do a humpback ?"

[Judi Lynn]

3. Coming back to hear the songs in entirety, have skipped around it it already, it's wonderful.

There's an unexpected sound in there that reminds one of a huge cat purring! One should clear the deck and be able to concentrate to listen to the recording all the way through. It's amazing, complex. I've read that they even have regional "accents" or expressions in their dialogues.

Here's a song I heard on a local classical music station in the 1970's, which seemed very out of the main stream at the time:

The songs had enough meaning for Alan Hovhannes to construct a score around them.

Thanks for sharing the collection of songs. Looking forward to hearing all of it.

[cstanleytech]

2. Not surprised as new species are always evolving ready to take the place of past ones.