In Depth
Although crocodiles and indeed crocodile like reptiles have existed since the Triassic, Isisfordia is considered to represent an early member of the group that make up modern crocodiles. This is evidenced by the ball and socket type connection of the vertebrae, and the presence of a secondary palate that allowed Isisfordia to breathe in without passing air through its mouth.
The osteoderms that run along the back of Isisfordia also show increased signs of segmentation. Although not as broken up as modern crocodiles today, they still show signs of greatly increased segmentation when compared to their older relatives, meaning that Isisfordia would have appreciated a marked increase in flexibility.
While the name Isisfordia is in reference to the town of Isisford, duncani is actually in reference to the deputy mayor of Isisford who discovered the remains.
Further Reading
– The origin of modern crocodyliforms: new evidence from the Cretaceous of Australia. – Proceedings of the Royal Society B 273:2439-2448. – S. W. Salisbury, R. E. Molnar, E. Frey & P. M. A. Willis. 2006. – Isisfordia molnari sp. nov., a new basal eusuchian from the mid-Cretaceous of Lightning Ridge, Australia. – PeerJ. 7. – Lachlan J. Hart, Phil R. Bell, Elizabeth T. Smith & Steven W. Salisbury – 2019. – Taxonomic clarifications concerning the crocodyliform genus Isisfordia. – PeerJ. 8: e8630. – Lachlan J. Hart – 2020.
