Depicted above is a Chinese alligator, a species closely akin to the recently discovered Alligator munensis found in Thailand. This pivotal study reveals distinct cranial features and contributes further to understanding the evolutionary history of Asian alligators.
A newly published article in Scientific Reports discloses the identification of an ancient alligator species in Thailand that has strong evolutionary connections with the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis).
The research team, including Gustavo Darlim, Márton Rabi, Kantapon Suraprasit, and Pannipa Tian, determined the new species through the analysis of an almost entirely preserved fossilized skull, which they estimate to be younger than 230,000 years. This specimen was unearthed in Ban Si Liam, Thailand, and the researchers have christened the species Alligator munensis, in homage to the adjacent Mun River.
To investigate the evolutionary links between A. munensis and other species, the authors contrasted its fossil remains with those of 19 samples from four extinct alligator species as well as extant species including the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), Chinese alligator, and the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus). In doing so, they also reviewed earlier academic works focused on the skeletal traits and evolutionary affiliations among alligator species.
The researchers discerned various unique cranial attributes in A. munensis, such as a wide, yet abbreviated snout, an elevated cranium, a diminished count of tooth sockets, and nostrils situated considerably away from the snout’s tip. Moreover, they observed resemblances in the cranial features of A. munensis and the Chinese alligator, notably the existence of a minor aperture in the mouth’s roof, a crest atop the skull, and a protruding ridge posterior to the nostrils.
The researchers posit that the two species could be closely interrelated, perhaps descending from a mutual progenitor native to the lowland areas of the Yangtze-Xi and Mekong-Chao Phraya river basins. They hypothesize that topographical alterations in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, occurring between 23 and five million years ago, could have instigated the segregation of populations and thereby the divergence into two distinct species.
Additionally, the team noted that A. munensis displayed large tooth sockets towards its mouth’s rear, suggesting the likelihood of it having large teeth capable of breaking shells. Consequently, they infer that A. munensis might have consumed hard-shelled organisms, such as snails, along with other types of prey.
These discoveries add nuanced layers to our understanding of the evolutionary trajectories of Asian alligators.
Reference: “An Extinct Deep-Snouted Alligator Species from the Quaternary of Thailand and Observations on the Evolution of Crushing Dentition in Alligatorids” by Gustavo Darlim, Kantapon Suraprasit, Yaowalak Chaimanee, Pannipa Tian, Chotima Yamee, Mana Rugbumrung, Adulwit Kaweera, and Márton Rabi, published on 13 July 2023 in Scientific Reports.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36559-6
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ancient Alligator Species
What is the newly discovered alligator species called?
The newly discovered species is named Alligator munensis, and it was found in Thailand.
Where was the Alligator munensis discovered?
The Alligator munensis was discovered in Ban Si Liam, Thailand, near the Mun River.
Who were the primary researchers involved in the discovery?
The primary researchers involved in this discovery are Gustavo Darlim, Márton Rabi, Kantapon Suraprasit, and Pannipa Tian.
What unique skull features does Alligator munensis possess?
Alligator munensis has several distinct cranial features including a wide and short snout, a tall skull, fewer tooth sockets, and nostrils that are positioned far from the tip of the snout.
How old is the fossilized skull of Alligator munensis?
The fossilized skull is estimated to be younger than 230,000 years.
How is Alligator munensis related to the Chinese alligator?
The two species share several cranial features and are believed to be closely related, possibly having a common ancestor from the lowland regions of the Yangtze-Xi and Mekong-Chao Phraya river systems.
What do researchers speculate about the species’ diet?
Researchers suggest that due to large tooth sockets at the back of its mouth, Alligator munensis might have consumed hard-shelled prey, such as snails, in addition to other animals.
What is the significance of this discovery?
The discovery provides new insights into the evolutionary history of Asian alligators and contributes to the body of research on alligator species globally.
Where was the study published?
The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports, on July 13, 2023.
What do we know about the evolutionary lineage of Alligator munensis?
Researchers speculate that the species may have shared a common ancestor with the Chinese alligator in the lowlands of the Yangtze-Xi and Mekong-Chao Phraya river systems, and topographical changes may have led to their divergence into two separate species.
More about Ancient Alligator Species
- Read the full study in Scientific Reports
- Alligatoridae Family: An Overview
- Evolution of Crocodilians
- Paleontology Research in Thailand
- Chinese Alligator Conservation
- Overview of Ancient Reptiles
- Fossil Dating Methods
9 comments
Wow, this is really fascinating stuff. who woulda thought we still had ancient species to discover? Way to go science!
Skull features sound so distinct! Evolution is endlessly fascinating, isn’t it?
How cool is this? I wonder what the implications are for other species, or if this could affect conservation efforts.
So they had large teeth for crushing shells huh? Nature is wild, guys.
Kinda blows my mind how much there is still left to learn about evolution. Great find and thanks for the in-depth article!
i’m not a science guy, but this is super interesting. Makes you wonder what else is out there, right?
Ok, now I wanna read the full report. This article got me hooked, kudos to the writer.
What’s next? Discovering dinosaurs again? Haha, but seriously, this is really enlightening stuff.
Ah, Scientific Reports, never disappoints. Such a thorough job with the research, and this article did justice to it. Keep it up!