Did you know that crocodiles existed 200 million years ago?

Crocodiles are among the oldest animal groups still in existence. Their ancestors appeared around 200 million years ago, during the Mesozoic era, a period that also saw the rise and fall of dinosaurs. Unlike the dinosaurs, crocodiles did not go extinct.

Early crocodiles were already surprisingly similar to modern species, highlighting their long evolutionary success. Over the centuries, they have adapted relatively little in their general body structure and lifestyle. Crocodiles have evolved to survive a wide range of environments, from freshwater swamps to saltwater coasts.

Their robust build, powerful jaws, and efficient hunting techniques have helped them thrive. This evolutionary success underscores their ability to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining their fundamental design. This long evolutionary history makes crocodiles a very interesting subject for biologists and paleontologists.

The photo accompanying this article is created by Nicholas Smith via flickr.com