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Evolution of prehistoric crocodiles mirrored in modern species
crocodile
The development of the prehistoric crocodile mirrors those of today's crocodiles
Researchers discover interesting parallels between groups of ancient crocodiles and those living today

New research by the University of Edinburgh has revealed that prehistoric crocodiles developed in a similar way to their modern day relatives.

The study looked into a group of prehistoric marine crocodiles known as Machimosaurus and reveals key details of where and how they lived.

Just like modern-day crocodiles, each species of Machimosaurus adapted features that enabled them to live and hunt in a range of habitats. They varied in body length, body skeleton, lower jaw and skull shape, and in their teeth.

The group included a nine-metre long saltwater species, which was adapted for living in open seas and fed on marine turtles. In contrast, its closest relative lived in choppy, coastal environments.

The development of the prehistoric crocodile mirrors those of today's crocodiles, whose saltwater varieties are much bigger and suited to large territories, whilst their smaller cousins live closer to shore or in freshwater.

From detailed analysis of fossil specimens, the research team were able to determine key elements of the animals' anatomy and lifestyle, and concluded that not all were of the same species.

Scientists were unsure whether more than one species of Machimosaurus existed until now. However, their findings reveal that there were at least three distinct species - one of which has been fully identified for the first time.

Dr. Mark Young, who led the study, said: "Interesting parallels can be seen between groups of ancient crocodiles and those living today, with some able to swim out in the open sea, with others restricted to the coast. With more fossils being discovered, we look forward to learning more about this giant group of Jurassic predators.”

The study is published in the journal
Royal Society Open Science

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.