Dyrosaurids

The new species belongs to a group of crocs known as dyrosaurids, believed to be primarily ocean-dwelling, coastal reptiles. ❋ Unknown (2011)

These dyrosaurids survived the extinction event that killed the dinosaurs and many other large marine reptiles. ❋ Unknown (2011)

Somehow dyrosaurids survived the mass extinction intact while other marine reptile groups, such as mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, died out completely. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Most dyrosaurids have been found in Africa, but they occur throughout the world. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Scientists previously believed dyrosaurids diversified in the Paleogene, the period of time following the mass extinction of dinosaurs, but this study reinforces the view that much of their diversity was in place before the mass extinction event, Brochu said. ❋ Unknown (2010)

The study reveals an unexpected level of diversity among dyrosaurids, said Christopher A. Brochu, a paleontologist and associate professor in geosciences at the University of Iowa. ❋ Unknown (2010)