Desmatosuchus
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Extinct (fossil)
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Desmatosuchus (meaning "link crocodile") is an extinct genus of archosaur reptile belonging to the aetosaur order. It was one of the largest aetosaurs, being 5 m (17 ft) long and about 1,50 m (5 ft) high. It lived during the Late Triassic in North America.
Desmatosuchus looked like its relatives, possessing an armored body and pig-like head. It used its shovel-shaped snout to uproot plants. Unlike most other aetosaurs, Desmatosuchus had two rows of spikes at the sides of its back, with extra long (45 cm) ones above the shoulders. These gave it extra protection against predators.
[edit] In popular culture
Desmatosuchus was featured in When Dinosaurs Roamed America, driving away an annoying Coelophysis and a predatory Rutiodon.
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