Crocodylomorphs!

 

Articular (bone) of an indeterminate Crocodylomorph from the Almond Formation.

Though incomplete, this crocoylomorph jaw piece is beautifully preserved. It consists of the articular bone which is what attaches the rest of the mandible to the skull. The little ball on the left side of the image would have anchored muscles.

Crocodylomorphs (crocodiles and their relatives, 'crocodiles' for short,) were very common during the age of dinosaurs and shared many of their environments with dinosaurs. On our expedition to the Almond Formation back in May we found several specimens from very small crocodiles. No crocodile remains from the Almond formation have been found and published previously. This is only one of several firsts from the formation. We are continuing to study our new crocodile material as well as the fish, turtles, and dinosaurs we found over the Summer.

Thanks to your contributions we are learning wonderful things. Stay tuned.