Scientists discover how a ‘terror crocodile’ became a dinosaur-eating giant

CNN - Apr 23rd, 2025
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A groundbreaking study published in Communications Biology has reclassified the massive prehistoric reptile Deinosuchus, previously thought to be a relative of alligators, as a separate branch on the crocodilian family tree. The study discovered that Deinosuchus, which lived between 82 and 75 million years ago, had salt glands allowing it to thrive in saltwater environments, unlike modern alligators. This trait enabled it to inhabit both sides of the Western Interior Seaway in ancient North America, preying on dinosaurs and dominating marshy ecosystems. This revelation reshapes our understanding of Deinosuchus, emphasizing its ecological adaptation and predatory dominance.

The study's findings have significant implications for understanding crocodilian evolution and climate resilience. By analyzing both fossil records and DNA from living crocodilians, researchers concluded that saltwater tolerance was an ancient trait lost by alligatoroids but retained by Deinosuchus. This adaptation allowed Deinosuchus to exploit diverse habitats during a time of global sea level rise, offering insights into how some species survived environmental changes while others went extinct. The research also highlights the ecological flexibility of crocodilians, challenging previous assumptions about their evolutionary pathways.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and engaging account of new scientific findings about Deinosuchus, an ancient crocodilian predator. It excels in clarity and readability, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. The timeliness of the story is underscored by its focus on recent research published in a reputable scientific journal.

However, the article could benefit from greater balance and transparency, as it presents a singular perspective without incorporating diverse expert opinions or methodological details. The introduction of novel claims about Deinosuchus' evolutionary traits and ecological adaptations requires further verification, as these aspects are contingent on the forthcoming publication of the detailed study findings.

Overall, while the article effectively communicates the significance of the new research, it could enhance its accuracy and balance by providing more comprehensive references and a wider range of expert perspectives. The story's impact is primarily educational, contributing to the broader understanding of prehistoric life and evolutionary science.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of Deinosuchus, an extinct crocodilian, and its ecological role during the Cretaceous period. The article's claims about the size and physical attributes of Deinosuchus, such as its length and teeth size, are supported by multiple external sources. However, the story introduces novel claims about the retention of salt glands and a new phylogenetic classification that are not directly supported by the available sources, indicating areas needing further verification. The mention of Deinosuchus having a bulbous nasal structure is also not corroborated by existing sources, highlighting a potential inaccuracy.

The story accurately describes the predator's role in its ecosystem and its distribution across North America, which aligns with the fossil record. However, the claim about Deinosuchus' ability to tolerate saltwater and navigate the Western Interior Seaway is a novel interpretation that lacks direct evidence from the cited sources. This aspect of the story relies heavily on the unpublished study mentioned, which affects the overall verifiability of the claims.

Overall, while many factual elements of the story are accurate and supported by existing literature, the introduction of new hypotheses about Deinosuchus' evolutionary traits and ecological adaptations requires access to the primary study for full validation. The story's accuracy is thus partly contingent on the forthcoming publication of the detailed study findings.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the findings of a new study about Deinosuchus, presenting a singular perspective on its ecological and evolutionary significance. While it offers insights into the predator's role and adaptations, the story does not explore alternative scientific viewpoints or potential criticisms of the study's conclusions. This lack of diverse perspectives can lead to an imbalanced representation of the scientific discourse surrounding Deinosuchus.

Moreover, the article heavily relies on the statements of Dr. Márton Rabi, the senior study author, without including input from other experts who might provide contrasting or corroborating views. Including perspectives from additional paleontologists or evolutionary biologists could enhance the story's balance by providing a broader context for the study's findings.

Overall, while the article presents a coherent narrative based on the new research, it could benefit from incorporating a wider range of expert opinions to ensure a more balanced representation of the topic.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language to convey complex scientific concepts, making it easy for a general audience to understand. The narrative follows a logical progression, starting with a description of Deinosuchus' physical attributes and ecological role before delving into the new study's findings.

The use of direct quotes from the study's author adds to the clarity by providing authoritative insights into the research. However, the article could benefit from clearer explanations of some scientific terms and concepts, such as the specifics of crocodilian phylogenetics and saltwater tolerance, to ensure comprehensive understanding for all readers.

Overall, the article maintains a high level of clarity, effectively communicating the study's significance while remaining accessible to a broad audience.

8
Source quality

The article cites a new study published in the journal Communications Biology, which suggests a high level of source quality due to the journal's reputable standing in the scientific community. The inclusion of direct quotes from Dr. Márton Rabi, a lecturer at the University of Tübingen, further supports the credibility of the information presented.

However, the article does not provide direct links or detailed references to the study itself, which limits the reader's ability to verify the claims independently. Including more specific citations or references to other studies or expert opinions would enhance the article's source quality by providing a more comprehensive view of the research landscape.

Overall, the reliance on a peer-reviewed study and expert commentary indicates a high level of source quality, though the lack of direct access to the study and additional expert perspectives slightly diminishes this dimension.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of the new study's findings and their implications for understanding Deinosuchus' evolutionary history. However, it lacks transparency in terms of explaining the methodology used in the study or providing direct access to the study itself. This omission makes it difficult for readers to assess the robustness of the research methods and the validity of the conclusions drawn.

Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or funding sources related to the study, which is important for evaluating the impartiality of the research. Providing more detailed information about the study's methodology and funding would enhance the transparency of the article.

Overall, while the article effectively communicates the study's findings, it could improve transparency by offering more detailed methodological context and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.

Sources

  1. https://site.nyit.edu/news/features/ancient_cousin_of_modern_alligator_is_the_stuff_of_nightmares
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deinosuchus
  3. https://www.livescience.com/terror-crocodile-banana-teeth.html
  4. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/nature/deinosuchus.htm
  5. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/30-foot-terror-crocodile-ambushed-dinosaurs-waters-edge-180975561/