Crocodile

# Evolutionary Timeline of Crocodiles Crocodiles belong to the group Crocodylomorpha, which emerged during the Late Triassic period around 230 million years ago. Their evolution is marked by adaptations to aquatic lifestyles, survival through mass extinctions, and diversification into various forms influenced by changing climates, sea levels, and competition from other reptiles. ## Key Milestones - **Late Triassic (230-200 MYA)**: Emergence of early crocodylomorphs like *Terrestrisuchus*, small and terrestrial, adapting to arid environments post-Permian extinction. - **Jurassic (200-145 MYA)**: Diversification into marine and semi-aquatic forms, such as *Metriorhynchus*, driven by expanding oceans and prey availability. - **Cretaceous (145-66 MYA)**: Rise of modern crocodylians like *Deinosuchus*, with larger sizes due to warm climates and abundant food sources; survived the K-T extinction event. - **Cenozoic (66 MYA-Present)**: Post-extinction radiation, adapting to freshwater and estuarine habitats amid cooling climates and mammalian competition.