Eusuchia
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The Eusuchia ("true crocodiles") are a clade of crocodylomorphs that first appears in the Early Cretaceous with Hylaeochampsa. All living crocodilian species are eusuchians, as are many extinct forms.
Unlike primitive crocodylomorphs, crocodyliforms have secondary bony palates. This feature enables living crocodylians to safely breathe in through their nostrils while the rest of the head (including the mouth) remains submerged. This structure reaches its greatest elaboration among eusuchians, in which the internal nares are completely surrounded by the pterygoid bones. For more information visit the Wikipedia entry Get back to Diapsida | ||
†Pristichampsus | Gharial | Nile crocodile |
Saltwater crocodile | Slender-snouted crocodile | African dwarf crocodile |
Orinoco crocodile | Johnston's crocodile | Cuban crocodile |
False gharial | American alligator | Black caiman |
Dwarf Caiman |