Fourteen closely related crocodiles existed around 5 million years ago
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 12:00
in Paleontology & Archaeology
Today, the most diverse species of crocodile are found in northern South America and Southeast Asia: As many as six species of alligator and four true crocodiles exist, although no more than two or three ever live alongside one another at the same time. It was a different story nine to about five million years ago, however, when a total of 14 different crocodile species existed and at least seven of them occupied the same area at the same time, paleontologists say.