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Paleontologist Paul Sereno and his 14-member team discovered the massive, fossilized jaws of SuperCroc on a 2000 expedition to the Sahara Desert in Niger. The scientists subsequently unearthed additional fossils from several individuals, including about 50 percent of a complete skeleton. A flesh reconstruction of SuperCroc’s enormous head, with its jaws open wide, greets visitors at the entrance to the exhibit. The enlarged, bulbous end of its snout may have given the giant crocodile an enhanced sense of smell and an unusual call. SuperCroc’s eye sockets tilted upward, allowing it to lurk underwater in a prehistoric river while it prepared to ambush its prey. The centerpiece of The Science of SuperCroc is a life-size skeletal cast. A full-grown SuperCroc (Sarcosuchus imperator) could attain a length of 40 feet and weigh at least 17,600 pounds—more than one-and-a-half times as much as an African elephant. How did SuperCroc get so large? The answer to this question is illustrated with original fossils, as well as life-size models of SuperCroc hatchlings alongside modern alligator hatchlings. Through the accompanying audio, visitors can hear how living crocs communicate—and what a hatchling SuperCroc might have sounded like. Skulls of modern crocodilians help identify SuperCroc’s location on the croc family tree. Speaking of trees, visitors can touch a fossil conifer trunk to get a feel for what SuperCroc’s world may have been like 110 million years ago. RESEARCH UPDATE! Paul Sereno discovers "oddball" crocs including "DuckCroc" and "PancakeCroc" The Science of SuperCroc is a traveling exhibit created by Project Exploration. The exhibit is presented by DuPont with additional support from Chubb. |
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Explore the exciting world of the planet’s largest crocodilian at The Science of SuperCroc, open November 7, 2009 through January 31, 2010 at the Delaware Museum of Natural History. Created by Project Exploration, this special exhibit features a 40-foot-long replica skeleton, a flesh model of SuperCroc’s skull, and original fossil material.
