Crocodiles survived dinosaur extinction by following warm climates
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Researchers at University College London investigated why crocodiles and their relatives lived through the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
The team analyzed over 7,000 fossils from more than 400 species of pseudosuchians, the crocodile lineage, and compared those records to computer models of Earth’s climate over 245 million years.
They discovered that these animals consistently sought out warm environments, expanding their range to places like Antarctica during warmer periods and retreating to the tropics when temperatures dropped. The scientists then simulated the climate following the asteroid impact, finding that warm regions near the equator remained habitable for crocodile relatives in most scenarios. This contrasts with nonavian dinosaurs, whose suitable habitats shrank much more dramatically. Dr.
Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza explained that this preference for warm climates likely put survivors in the best position to recover after the disaster. While climate played a key role, the researchers noted that other factors also contributed to crocodile survival. These include their smaller body size, ability to live in water, flexible diets, and low energy requirements as ectothermic animals.
Professor Philip Mannion added that today’s crocodiles will also need room to move as the planet warms, but habitat loss is making that increasingly difficult.
