The Carolina Butcher: A Triassic Terror
In the Triassic period, before the reign of dinosaurs, a fearsome predator roamed the Earth—Carnufex carolinensi, also known as the “Carolina Butcher.” This newly discovered crocodilian ancestor stood nine feet tall and walked on its hind legs, making it a formidable presence in the ancient ecosystem.
A Unique and Bizarre Discovery
The fossilized remains of Carnufex were found in Chatham County, North Carolina, in a geologic area called the Pekin Formation. From the start, paleontologists knew they had something special on their hands. The skull of Carnufex was highly ornamented with bumps and grooves, unlike anything they had seen before.
A Blend of Predators
Carnufex was a unique mix of crocodylomorph and rauisuchid traits, with a few predatory dinosaur characteristics thrown in for good measure. Its large size and long hind legs set it apart from its modern crocodilian relatives.
A Top Predator in Ancient North Carolina
Carnufex was part of a “panoply of predators” that competed for dominance in ancient North Carolina. This period saw the emergence of the ancestors of crocodiles and birds, and Carnufex played a significant role in the predator ecosystem.
Evolutionary Insights
The discovery of Carnufex provides new insights into the evolution of crocodylomorphs. It pushes back the date of their appearance in the fossil record and challenges the notion that they have remained largely unchanged since the days of the dinosaurs.
The Rise and Fall of Carnufex
At the end of the Triassic period, Carnufex and many other predators were wiped out in one of the top-five biggest extinctions of all time. This extinction event paved the way for the rise of dinosaurs, who would dominate the Earth for the next 135 million years.
Crocodiles: A Story of Adaptation
Since the Triassic period, crocodiles have undergone significant evolutionary changes to adapt to changing environmental conditions. They have evolved from large, hind-leg walking predators like Carnufex to smaller, sleek-bodied survivors with long limbs.
Carnufex: A Testament to Evolution
The discovery of Carnufex demonstrates the remarkable evolutionary journey of crocodylomorphs. It shows that these animals have not remained stagnant over time but have adapted and diversified to survive in a changing world.