Ancient Predator’s Last Meal Revealed: Aplestosuchus sordidus Found With Prey Inside Stomach from Late Cretaceous Brazil

In the fossil-rich landscapes of Brazil, paleontologists have uncovered a remarkable discovery shedding light on the ancient predators that once roamed the earth during the Late Cretaceous period.

At the heart of this discovery lies Aplestosuchus sordidus, a baurusuchid crocodyliform, preserved with the remains of a smaller sphagesaurid crocodyliform in its stomach. This find offers a rare glimpse into the predatory behavior and ecological interactions of these prehistoric creatures.

Aplestosuchus sordidus, belonging to the Baurusuchidae family, was a formidable predator characterized by its robust skull and powerful jaws. Fossil evidence suggests that it inhabited the ancient waterways and floodplains of Brazil approximately 80 million years ago. These crocodyliforms were top predators in their ecosystem, preying on a variety of vertebrates, including fish, small dinosaurs, and other reptiles.

The discovery of Aplestosuchus sordidus with a smaller sphagesaurid crocodyliform in its stomach provides valuable insights into the dietary habits and ecological interactions of these ancient reptiles. The presence of the partially digested remains within the stomach contents indicates that Aplestosuchus sordidus was a carnivorous predator capable of consuming relatively large prey.

The sphagesaurid crocodyliform, identified as a juvenile individual, likely fell victim to Aplestosuchus sordidus during a hunting or scavenging encounter. This finding offers a rare glimpse into the trophic interactions and predatory behavior of these extinct crocodyliforms, highlighting the complex dynamics of ancient ecosystems.

The discovery of Aplestosuchus sordidus with a sphagesaurid crocodyliform in its stomach represents a significant contribution to the field of paleontology, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary history and ecological dynamics of Late Cretaceous Brazil. Through continued research and exploration, scientists aim to unravel the mysteries of the prehistoric world and uncover the hidden stories preserved within the fossil record.