Prehistoric Crocodiles

[brobear]

Quote: Before we get into the science aspect, let’s examine how T-rex most likely drank. I believe the Cassowary is the best example we have to compare it to today. I’ve studied footage of ostriches drinking and their technique is similar, except that there is excessive head raising in order to get the water to flow down that long neck.  (If anything, an ostrich would be a good comparison for a sauropod in terms of drinking – write that down). Let’s look at this video of a Cassowary imbibing.  This is probably similar to what a large theropod did: remaining upright, possibly wading into the water a bit, lowered its head down, then lifted it back to the horizontal to ingest. Note that the bird remains alert the entire time. 
 
Of course, while doing this a Tyrannosaur, or any animal small enough to fall on the menu, was a potential target for a big, hungry crocodylomorph. And let’s not kid ourselves and say, “Oh, no crocodile, even Deinosuchus, could take down a T-rex.” Pushing 40 feet, the “dread crocodile” was as large as the largest of Tyrannosaurs, with jaws that were potentially even more powerful. And, let’s not forget, crocodiles often travel in loose “gangs”. Once a prey item is pulled off balance and into the water, it’s a feeding frenzy that no Tyrannosaurus could survive.  
  
*Brobear: I would wager on the T-rex having the stronger bite; not that it would save him.   Reply