The Cretaceous crocodyliform Caipirasuchus: behavioral feeding mechanisms

Abstract

Caipirasuchus is a sphagesaurid crocodyliform from the Cretaceous of the Bauru Basin. Three species, with terrestrial habits, leaned bodies and measuring less than 1.5 m in length, have been described up to now: Caipirasuchus montealtensis, C. paulistanus and C. stenognathus. Similar to other advanced notosuchians, they present a complex mastication mechanism that includes propalinal movements, side alternation during chewing and tooth-to-tooth occlusion. This study analyzes the anatomic structures and dental wear related to such mastication mechanisms in Caipirasuchus, in corresponding to feeding strategies.