The crocodile "Guarinisuchus munizi," also known as the Sea Warrior, for outliving the end of the dinosaur era 65 million years ago, has given rise to new theories on the migration of the species. It was found in the northeast coastal region of Pernambuco.
Alexander Kellner of the National Museum at Rio de Janeiro said: "Based on the discovery, we know that's what happened near the Brazilian coast. Now the question is whether the same happened worldwide. We believe it did."
Scientists believe that the crocodile, which is three meters long (10 feet) and originated on the African continent and then migrated to South America and then onto North America.
The fossil, which includes a skull, jaw and vertebrae, is in good condition allowing scientists to create a full scale model of the crocodile which will soon go on display in the national museum.
South American paleontologists have made two other key reptile discoveries in recent years. A 70 million-year-old crocodile, dubbed the "Terrible Crocodile of Uberaba," was discovered in 2006. And more recently, in January scientists unveiled an 80 million-year-old land reptile, which is believed to be the missing link between modern-day and prehistoric crocodiles.
