"Discovery: 215-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Ancestor Pre-Dates Dinosaurs"
Researchers have identified a new species of heavily armored ancient crocodile ancestor, known as aetosaurs, called Garzapelta muelleri, dating back 215 million years to the Triassic Period. The 70% complete fossilized dorsal carapace of this species provides insight into its omnivorous nature and unique skeletal features, distinguishing it from other aetosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the pre-dinosaur world and expands our understanding of ancient reptiles.