Crocodiles and alligators are often referred to as "living fossils" because their physical characteristics are similar to those of dinosaurs.
The Moon Day
Crocodiles and dinosaurs had scaly skin, sharp teeth, and long pointed tails. In addition,
some prehistoric animals were the ancestors of crocodiles until they evolved into the modern crocodiles known today. If so, are crocodiles a dinosaur?
Crocodiles Before Dinosaurs
Crocodile relatives are believed to have existed either before dinosaurs existed or right when dinosaurs first appeared.
According to AZ Animals, the ancestors of crocodiles date back 240 million years to the Triassic period,
the same era when dinosaurs first evolved. Paleontologist Bhart-Anjan Bhullar found two fossils in Utah that date back to the Triassic period.
The complete remains of the Poposaur provide clues to the crocodile's earliest relatives. Apparently, the Poposaur walked on its hind legs and was upright,
similar to a Tyrannosaurus. Another feature of the Poposaur, which looked more like a modern crocodile, was that it had a long snout with sharp teeth.
These fossils date back to an era before dinosaurs became popular, such as when T-rex was still alive.
These fossils date back to an era before dinosaurs became popular, such as when T-rex was still alive.