**Teleocrater: A Fascinating Extinct Reptile**
Teleocrater is a genus of extinct reptiles that lived during the Middle Triassic period, around 247 to 242 million years ago. It was found in the Manda Formation of Tanzania. The name “Teleocrater” means “completed basin,” which refers to its unique hip socket structure. Although it was first introduced in the 1950s, it wasn’t officially published until 2017 by a team of scientists led by Sterling Nesbitt.
**What Is Teleocrater?**
Teleocrater is an avemetatarsalian archosaur, which means it is related to birds and dinosaurs. It’s a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. This dinosaur measured between 7 to 10 feet long, making it quite a large reptile for its time. It had a notably long neck and a body that was low to the ground, which helped it navigate its surroundings.
**Skeleton and Features**
– **Skull:** Teleocrater had a unique skull with one preserved tooth that was sharp and curved. This tooth suggested it hunted for its food.
– **Vertebrae:** Its neck vertebrae were among the longest found in Triassic reptiles. These bones allowed for flexibility and mobility.
– **Limbs:** Unlike other reptiles of its era that were built for speed, Teleocrater’s legs were not particularly long. This suggests it did not rely on running but may have been more suited for slower, stealthy movements.
– **Hindlimbs:** The bones in its hindlimbs were similar to those of other early archosaurs which suggests it had a unique way of moving compared to others in its family.
**Discovery and Naming**
The first remains of Teleocrater were discovered in 1933 by Francis Rex Parrington, but it took many years for the fossil to be fully understood. In 2015, a new discovery of additional fossils helped clarify its classification and earned it a formal name. The research showed that Teleocrater belonged to a group of reptiles that are related to both dinosaurs and modern birds.
**Ecology**
Fossils found alongside Teleocrater suggest it lived in a rich environment populated with other reptiles and larger animals. The area where its bones were found shows evidence of flooding, indicating that it lived in a wet, potentially swampy region.
**Growth and Life Cycle**
Studies of Teleocrater’s bones reveal that it grew at a moderate pace, faster than crocodilians but slower than dinosaurs. This growth rate could provide clues about how it lived and thrived in its environment.
In summary, Teleocrater is a captivating piece of prehistoric history, showing us a glimpse into a time when different kinds of reptiles roamed the Earth. Its unique features help scientists learn more about the evolution of archosaurs, which includes all dinosaurs and birds today.