Super Croc and the Origin of Crocodiles

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7 The author of Feathered Dinosaurs (National Geographic, 2000) has again dipped into the paleontological well to produce another exciting volume. The lucid, informative text not only describes Dr. Paul Sereno's African expedition to locate the fossil remains of 40 -long Sarcosuchus imperator (aka SuperCroc), but also traces the development of crocodilians from their earliest known beginnings to the more familiar alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials of today. Large, dynamic, full-color photos and equally dramatic artwork depict this long evolutionary history, while the readable text explores such early entries as phytosaurs and aetosaurs, describes important fossil finds, and discusses possible reasons for crocodilian extinctions. The author also muses on the mysteries of the fossil crocs of Madagascar, which have more in common with South American fossils of the same era, rather than the expected connection to nearby Africa. Well written, colorfully illustrated, and with an eye-catching cover, this high-interest title will be devoured by paleo-predatorphiles. -Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description

Introduction by Dr. Paul Sereno.

Imagine a crocodile almost as long as Tyrannosaurus rex and just as fierce! That’s SuperCroc, the giant Sarcosuchus fossil discovered by Paul Sereno, a National Geographic explorer-in-residence.

Crocodiles and their ancestors are some of the most successful animals that ever lived. At the time of T. rex, crocs ranged in size from 2 feet to over 40 feet long. They lived on land, in swamps, and in the sea. Some, like SuperCroc, were fierce predators. Some were heavily armored plant eaters. And when all of the dinosaurs (except birds) became extinct, the crocs lived on, becoming the crocodiles, alligators, and gharials of today.

ANNOTATION

Discusses prehistoric crocodiles, including the discovery of SuperCroc in the Sahara Desert, and the lifestyles, habitats, and conservation of modern crocodiles.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Discusses prehistoric crocodiles, including the discovery of SuperCroc in the Sahara Desert, and the lifestyles, habitats, and conservation of modern crocodiles.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal