However, the evolutionary process is slow, and its outcome remains uncertain. The study of these crocodiles offers a unique window into the mechanisms of evolution and adaptation in extreme ...

The cave-dwelling crocodiles were only studied for the first ... This genetic divergence suggests that isolation has led to the evolution of unique traits suited to their subterranean lifestyle.

They found crocodiles achieved a punctuated equilibrium, or a sort of stasis in their evolutionary journey. This theory contrasts with the idea that evolution happens over a long period of time with ...

The scales on a crocodile’s body develop through this mechanism. About a decade ago, Milinkovitch noticed that the scales on the reptile’s jaws and face differ from those on its body. He speculated ...

First, they tracked the evolution of the head scales during the embryonic development of the Nile crocodile, which lasts about 90 days in total. While the skin covering the jaws remains smooth ...

The Abanda Caves in Gabon harbor a unique population of dwarf crocodiles that evolved distinct traits after being isolated for around 3,000 years. These cave-dwelling crocodiles adapt to life in ...

The cave crocodiles are genetically distinct from their forest counterparts. Over time, their isolation has led to the development of new traits, signalling their evolution into a separate species.