A new study published in the journal *Scientific Reports* has found that ancient crocodiles were capable of eating prey that was up to half their own body length. This finding is based on an analysis of the skulls and teeth of two extinct species of crocodile, *Sarcosuchus imperator* and *Rhamphosuchus crassidens*.

*Sarcosuchus imperator* was a giant crocodile that lived in Africa during the Cretaceous period. It is estimated to have reached lengths of up to 12 meters (39 feet) and weighed up to 8 tons. *Rhamphosuchus crassidens* was a smaller crocodile that lived in North America during the same period. It is estimated to have reached lengths of up to 5 meters (16 feet) and weighed up to 1 ton.

The study's authors, from the University of Utah, used computer models to simulate the biting forces of *Sarcosuchus* and *Rhamphosuchus*. They found that both species were capable of generating enormous bite forces, which would have allowed them to crush the bones of their prey.

The authors also examined the skulls of *Sarcosuchus* and *Rhamphosuchus* and found that they had long, narrow snouts. This suggests that they were ambush predators that would lie in wait for prey and then strike quickly.

The study's findings have implications for our understanding of the ecology of ancient crocodiles. They suggest that these animals were top predators that played an important role in their ecosystems.

Reference

* Joseph J. Bevitt, Adam D. Marsh, Randall B. Irmis. [Maximum Prey Size of Extinct Giant Crocodyliforms](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48317-9). *Scientific Reports*, 2019; 9 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48317-9