It Looks Like a Dinosaur, but This 240-Million-Year-Old Beast Is Actually Something Else

A newly identified 240-million-year-old carnivorous reptile, Tainrakuasuchus bellator, discovered in Brazil, resembles a dinosaur but is actually an early ancestor of modern crocodiles. This armored predator, part of the Pseudosuchia group, lived before the dinosaurs and had distinct anatomical features, including a long neck and sharp teeth, aiding in its predatory lifestyle. The discovery highlights the ancient connection between Brazil and Africa during the Triassic Period, providing insights into the diverse ecosystems of that era.