Rare crocodile fossile de Bosnie

Rare Crocodile Fossil from Bosnia
Diplochynodon sp.
Miocene
Gracanica, Bosnia-Herzegovina
It may be difficult to imagine Eastern Europe as having a tropical environment, however during the Miocene era this was the case. Similar to the modern-day Caiman, this fossil is reminiscent of crocodile fossils from the Green River Formation of Wyoming. A freshwater creature, all species of Crocodiles spend much of their lives submerged in stagnant waters as they prepare to ambush their prey. Diplocynodon is a prime example for how perfect this species' shape and form is adapted for survival and evolutionary success. ‬ Their movements in water are incredibly agile, though this agility is almost completely lost when on land.

Represented by several species,‭ ‬the Diplocynodon genus has one of the longest known temporal ranges of any specific crocodile genus ‬and was widespread over Western Europe and the eastern part of the United States.‬‬‬‬‬ The name Dyplocynodon, meaning 'Double Dog Tooth' refers to the two large fang-like teeth, which were a distinguishing feature of the genus. The aesthetic presentation lends movement to the piece with its irregular matrix. Length 150 cm