New crocodile species helps prove land links

A unique, nearly complete fossilized skeleton of a prehistoric crocodile found in Brazil backs up theories that there were land links between South America and Madagascar about 70 million years ago. Presenting the new species last month, professor Ismar de Souza Carvalho of Rio de Janeiro Federal University said the Uberabasuchus terrificus, or the terrible crocodile of Uberaba, shed light on the splitting of the ancient supercontinent known as Gondwana following Africa's breakaway. Similar crocodiles have been found in Argentina and Madagascar, he said. Scientists believe Africa broke away from Gondwana -- the massive continent grouping Australia, India, Africa, South America and Antarctica-- more than 100 million years ago but a connection still existed between what is now South America, Antarctica, India and possibly Australia until about 70 million years ago. As opposed to modern-day crocodiles that live in or near the water, Uberabasuchus was a mainly terrestrial animal, measuring up to 10 feet and weighing about 660 pounds. It was smaller than some existing crocodiles, but probably a more notable predator. ''Practically everything that lived then was on his menu," said researcher Leonardo dos Santos Avilla.