THIS ancient animal hunted and ate the dinosaurs, reveals study
Deinosuchus, one of the biggest crocodilians that ever lived, had a body as long as a school bus and teeth the size of bananas. From 82 to 75 million years ago, this giant predator lived in rivers and estuaries across North America. Though it had a broad snout like an alligator, scientists now say
Deinosuchus
was something else entirely.
According to a new study published Wednesday in Communications Biology, Deinosuchus was not part of the alligator family after all. The research team used fossil evidence and DNA from living crocodilians to build a new family tree. It shows that Deinosuchus is more closely related to crocodiles than to alligators.
Modern crocodiles have salt glands that help them survive in seawater. Deinosuchus had those glands, too, but alligators do not. That detail is key. Salt tolerance would have allowed Deinosuchus to swim across the Western Interior Seaway—a vast sea that once split North America in two during a time of high global sea levels.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
'With salt glands, Deinosuchus could go where alligators couldn't,' said Dr. Márton Rabi, a senior study author and lecturer at the University of Tübingen in Germany. 'We are talking about an absolutely monstrous animal. Definitely around 8 meters (26 feet) or more total body length,' Rabi told CNN.
Toothmarks on dinosaur bones show Deinosuchus hunted or scavenged them. 'No one was safe in these wetlands when Deinosuchus was around,' Rabi said.
Fossils of Deinosuchus have been found on both sides of the ancient seaway. The largest species, Deinosuchus riograndensis, lived along the eastern edge of an island called Laramidia, which made up less than a third of the North American landmass. The other large landmass was known as Appalachia.
For a long time, scientists believed Deinosuchus was part of the alligatoroid group. But this didn't make sense. Alligators only live in freshwater today. How could Deinosuchus cross a sea more than 1,000 kilometers wide? One theory was that early alligators once had salt glands and later lost them. But that idea had little evidence and depended on Deinosuchus being an alligator relative.
The fossil record didn't support the idea that Deinosuchus spread across North America before the sea formed, either. 'The picture wasn't very coherent,' Rabi said.
To fix that, the researchers added data from extinct crocodilians that hadn't been used in previous studies. These 'missing links' helped clarify the evolution of salt tolerance and other traits.
'Our analysis found that
saltwater tolerance
is a fairly ancient trait of many crocodilians, and was secondarily lost in the alligatoroids,' Rabi said.
The researchers also found that the first alligators were smaller than other crocodilians of the time. They didn't grow large until about 34 million years ago—long after Deinosuchus lived.
Rabi said the smaller size of early alligatoroids is another clue that Deinosuchus was not one of them. 'Dwarfism in early alligatoroids was another clue that giant Deinosuchus was no 'greater alligator.''
The study also found that huge crocodilians like Deinosuchus evolved again and again over the past 120 million years, even during ice ages. According to Rabi, 'Giant crocs are more like the norm of any time.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Time of India
Mapmygenome acquires Canadian CRO Microbiome Insights
HYDERABAD: AI-driven genomics and personalised health player Mapmygenome has acquired Canadian microbial sequencing player Microbiome Insights. The acquisition includes the CAP-accredited (College of American Pathologists) Canadian laboratory of Microbiome Insights as well as its intellectual property. Though the Hyderabad-based Mapmygenome did not divulge the size of acquisition, its founder & CEO Anu Acharya confirmed that it had acquired 100% stake in the 10-year-old Canadian company. She said the acquisition would boost Mapmygenome's scientific prowess and enable its global expansion. Microbiome Insights, which has supported over 600 global clients with more than 1,000 cutting-edge microbiome studies, is a leading partner for academic, clinical, and industry researchers. It was founded by renowned global experts such as Dr Brett Finlay, Dr William Mohn, and Malcolm Kendall. While post-acquisition Microbiome Insights will maintain its role as a premier CRO (clinical research organisation), Mapmygenome said it will roll out its integrated genomics and microbiome testing services to North America to make holistic, data-driven health solutions more accessible. 'The human microbiome is pivotal to health, and this acquisition positions us as a leader in this area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Sarandí (ver precio) Verisure Undo We gain exceptional expertise in metagenomics, transcriptomics, and targeted metabolomics to serve academic, biotech, and clinical sectors,' said Acharya. She said the buy will accelerate the company's North American footprint, aligning with Mapmygenome's strategic vision of growth through targeted acquisitions as it works towards its listing on the Indian bourses later this year. Microbiome Insights CEO Malcolm Kendall said the deal would provide the company the resources and capabilities to offer higher quality services to clients and accelerate growth. Microbiome Insights offers end-to-end microbiome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis for sectors such as pharma, biotech, nutrition, cosmetics, agriculture as well as government institutions and has enabled over 1,000 studies. These range from basic research to clinical trials, and biomarker discovery to machine-learning based modelling. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Business Standard
Mapmygenome cements global leadership in Genomics with strategic acquisition of Canada's Microbiome Insights
PRNewswire Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] / Vancouver (British Columbia) [Canada], May 29: Mapmygenome, an AI-driven leader in genomics and personalized health, announced the strategic acquisition of Microbiome Insights, a global leader in microbial sequencing. The acquisition includes Microbiome Insights' CAP-accredited Canadian laboratory and rich intellectual property, boosting Mapmygenome's scientific prowess and enabling its global expansion. Having supported over 600 global clients with 1,000+ cutting-edge microbiome studies, Microbiome Insights is a leading partner for academic, clinical, and industry researchers. Its founders, Dr. Brett Finlay, Dr. William Mohn, and Malcolm Kendall, are recognized global experts. Microbiome Insights will maintain its role as a premier CRO, empowering global research. Simultaneously, Mapmygenome will introduce its integrated genomics and microbiome testing services to North America, making holistic, data-driven health solutions more accessible. "The human microbiome is pivotal to health, and this acquisition positions us as a leader in this area. We gain exceptional expertise in metagenomics, transcriptomics, and targeted metabolomics to serve academic, biotech, and clinical sectors," declared Anu Acharya, Founder and CEO of Mapmygenome. "This accelerates our North American footprint aligning with our strategic vision of growth through targeted acquisitions leading up to our listing on the Indian market later this year" "Joining forces with Mapmygenome, provides the resources and capabilities to offer higher quality services to our clients and accelerate growth. The combination of their expertise in AI-driven genomics solutions and our deep microbiome expertise will result in a new standard of cutting-edge services for clients worldwide," said Malcolm Kendall, CEO of Microbiome Insights. Financial terms were not disclosed. About Mapmygenome: Founded a decade ago, we are a leading genomics company driven by pioneering research and a vision for preventive healthcare. We harness AI-driven genomic and microbiome testing to deliver personalized health solutions, with offerings like at-home DNA tests for proactive health and longevity. For healthcare providers, our diagnostic genomic tests are conducted in a CAP-accredited lab, ensuring high accuracy, complemented by genetic counseling. About Microbiome Insights: We are a global leader providing end-to-end microbiome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Collaborating with pharma, biotech, nutrition, cosmetic, and agriculture clients, alongside leading academic and government institutions, we've supported over 1,000 studies, from basic research to clinical trials, and biomarker discovery to machine-learning based modeling.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
King cobra vs. Indigo snake: Who would win in a fight based on size, venom, habitat, and more
The king cobra and the eastern indigo snake are among the most interesting snakes on earth, each possessing its own set of physical characteristics and predatory methods. The king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, with its striking size, lethal neurotoxin venom, and its striking hood flare. The eastern indigo snake, North America's longest snake, accomplishes its prey overpowering feats with the help of its muscular physique and fearless attitude without using venom. Both are top predators but vary extremely in behavior, diet, and defense. Investigating their opposing adaptations demonstrates how these incredible reptiles survive in their respective habitats through either deadly accuracy or brute force and bravery. Explore the major difference between the two snakes king cobra and indigo snakes and discover who would win in a fight? King cobra vs indigo snakes Category King Cobra Eastern Indigo Snake Size and Appearance Longest venomous snake (10-18 ft), olive-green/brown/black with hood Longest North American snake (up to 8.6 ft), muscular, shiny blue-black scales Hunting Style Uses powerful venom to kill prey (mostly snakes) Non-venomous; uses strength and jaws to overpower varied prey Diet Specialized snake-eater Generalist: mammals, birds, snakes, eggs Behaviour Shy, defensive; hood flare and hiss when threatened Aggressive, confident; confronts threats directly Habitat Southeast Asia, forests, mangroves Southeastern US, pine flatwoods, burrows Defense Venomous bite, visual and vocal warnings Tough skin, venom resistance, aggressive defense Key difference between king cobra and indigo snakes Size and physical characteristics The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's longest venomous snake at 10 to 18 feet. The cobra has a beautiful olive-green, brown, or black color, and light crossbands, making it very physically appealing. The most recognizable feature of the cobra is its expandable hood, which is employed to deter predators and competitors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Best Luxury Hotel Prices Expertinspector Learn More Undo Conversely, the Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) is the longest snake indigenous to North America, reaching a length of 8.6 feet. Although shorter than the cobra, it is also robust and very muscular. With its shiny, iridescent blue-black scales and reddish or cream-colored throat, it is just as visually striking in appearance. While the king cobra dominates in terms of size and posturing, the indigo snake dominates with bulk and lustrous, near-metallic appearance. Venom vs. Muscle The king cobra depends on its powerful neurotoxic venom for immobilizing prey. In a single bite, it can inject a large dose of toxin that incapacitates the nervous system, causing paralysis and death. Being a snake expert, the king cobra mostly consumes other snakes, including venomous ones like kraits and other cobras. The indigo snake is not venomous. It makes up for this by employing its muscular body and powerful jaws to overcome prey. It preys upon a varied assortment of animals—frogs, lizards, birds, rodents—and will engage venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes. It does this by grasping the prey and resorting to brute power to crush or incapacitate it. Here we observe an important difference: the king cobra is a killer that kills with one blow, whereas the indigo snake is a brawler that wears down its prey with relentless physical strength. Diet and feeding behaviour Both snakes are carnivores, but their eating habits are reflective of their special strategies. The king cobra is greatly specialized. It consumes nearly all snakes (ophiophagy) and frequently preys on other venomous snakes. Its specialized diet is paralleled by its lean and mean hunting technique: find, strike, wait for venom to work, and swallow. The indigo snake, on the other hand, is a general predator. Mammals, birds, amphibians, eggs, and most famously, other snakes—venomous and non-venomous alike—are all part of its diet. Its hunting technique is to track, grasp, and overpower its prey using direct physical force. Where the cobra uses venom and accuracy, the indigo snake lives by diversity and boldness. Behaviour Though lethal in its potential, the king cobra is otherwise shy and defensive. It would rather retreat than fight and will only attack when provoked or threatened. But when provoked, it will stand on its hind legs, spread the front half of its body, flare out its hood, and hiss with a deep, though potent, warning. T he indigo snake, on the other hand, is aggressive and assertive. It will not back down readily and will go head-to-head with threats, even fighting venomous snakes. It does not have flashy defensive displays to fall back on, but instead uses sheer confidence, speed, and stamina to override a situation. When it comes to temperament, the king cobra is a calculating monarch, whereas the indigo snake is a bold warrior. Habitat The king cobra is found in Southeast Asia, such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It likes dense forests, mangroves, and thick bamboo, usually close to water. The indigo snake occurs in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Georgia. It can be found in pine flatwoods, scrub, sandhills, and open woods, frequently hiding in gopher tortoise burrows. Their environments are defined by geography, yet both snakes are highly suited to their habitats as apex predators. Defense mechanisms The king cobra employs visual and vocal displays upon threat: elevating the body, opening its hood, and hissing loudly. If warnings are disregarded, it administers a deadly venomous bite that can kill elephants—or people—within several hours. The indigo snake is non-venomous and not threatening. Rather, it uses aggression and toughness, tending to go directly into attack mode if provoked. Its powerful scales and some immunity to snake venom provide it with extra protection, enabling it to live through bites that would be fatal to other non-venomous snakes. In this regard, one snake uses psychological warfare and poison for defense; the other uses courageous battle and bodily toughness. King cobra vs indigo snake: Who would win in a fight In a face-to-face confrontation, the king cobra would most probably come out on top. Its size, poisonous bite, and snake-hunting expertise give it a lethal advantage. One precise bite might disable the indigo snake within seconds. But the indigo snake's greatest strength is its courage and willingness to engage venomous threats. It has adapted to prey on and kill snakes with lethal venom, implying that in a mismatched situation, it would not go quietly into the night. Practically, the king cobra's venom and larger size give it the clear victory, but the indigo snake's resilience and fearlessness make it an equal opponent. Also Read | Massive 8-foot snake in the office! Colorado man discovers a real workplace nightmare
