Researchers have digitally reconstructed the skull of Crassigyrinus scoticus, a 330-million-year-old aquatic predator, revealing its skull shape is similar to that of modern crocodiles, contrasting with earlier models that suggested a taller structure. This find enhances our understanding of the species’ behavior, indicating it likely hunted similarly to contemporary crocodiles in Carboniferous coal swamps. The study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology, utilized advances in CT scanning and 3D visualization to analyze fragmented fossils that were previously challenging to interpret because of their crushed state. The animal had large teeth, big eyes, and specialized senses, suggesting it was a formidable predator that could grow between 2 to 3 meters long. Its skull features ridges that likely reinforced it and helped distribute biting force when capturing prey. The reconstruction hints at potential unique sensory adaptations, including a mysterious gap at the front of its snout, which may have housed additional sensory organs. These discoveries are significant in understanding the evolution of early tetrapods, as Crassigyrinus exemplifies an aquatic lifestyle before some of its relatives transitioned onto land. The research pays tribute to the late Professor Jenny Clack, a pioneer in paleontology who contributed to the study.
