Bernissartia

Bernissartia ('of Bernissart') is an extinct genus of neosuchian crocodyliform that lived in the Early Cretaceous, around 130 million years ago.

Restoration
Lateral view of skull

Bernissartia
Temporal range: Early Cretaceous, 130-110 Ma
↓
Holotype skeleton of B. fagesii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Clade: Metasuchia
Clade: Neosuchia
Family: †Bernissartiidae
Genus: †Bernissartia
Dollo, 1883
Type species
†Bernissartia fagesii
Dollo, 1883

At only 60 centimetres (2.0 ft) in length, Bernissartia is one of the smallest crocodyliforms that ever lived. It resembled modern species in many respects, and was probably semi-aquatic. It had long, pointed teeth at the front of the jaws that would have been of use in catching fish, but broad and flat teeth at the back of its jaws that were suited for crushing hard food, such as shellfish, and possibly bones.[1]

It is known primarily from skulls and skeletons found in the Sainte-Barbe Clays Formation of Belgium and the Camarillas Formation of Spain. Less complete material has been referred to Bernissartia from the United Kingdom and North America.

See also

References
  1. Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 100. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
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