This Crocodile Relative Was One of Dinosaurs’ Most Fearsome Predators
This Crocodile Relative Was One of Dinosaurs’ Most Fearsome Predators
A fossil found in Argentina shows that up to the very end of the age of dinosaurs, they faced serious competition from other reptile species.
Read the full article on NY Times Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article makes a general claim about a crocodile relative being a fearsome predator of dinosaurs. While sources confirm the existence of such reptiles, the specific claim about a newly discovered fossil in Argentina and its impact 'up to the very end of the age of dinosaurs' lacks sufficient verification and may be exaggerated, indicating a moderate bias towards sensationalism.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: A fossil found in Argentina shows that up to the very end of the age of dinosaurs, they faced serious competition from other reptile species.
- Verification Source #2: Confirms the existence of ancient reptiles that were apex predators and closely related to modern crocodiles.
- Verification Source #3: Discusses ancient crocodiles as potential predators of dinosaurs.
- Assessment: Partially supported. While the existence of crocodile-like predators of dinosaurs is confirmed, the specific claim about a new Argentinian fossil and its significance 'up to the very end' is not directly verified by the provided sources. The claim is plausible but lacks specific support.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 2 confirms that ancient reptiles, closely related to crocodiles, were apex predators.
- Source 3 discusses the possibility of ancient crocodiles preying on dinosaurs.