Question

crocodilaemus was an ancient animal that lived in the sea about 150,000,000 years ago. here are pictures of a crocodilaemus fossil, a living nile crocodile, and a living bottlenose dolphin. which traits can you observe in the fossil of crocodilaemus, the living nile crocodile, and the living bottlenose dolphin? complete the table. based on the table, which living animal shares more traits with crocodilaemus?

Explanation:

• Bony plates on its back: Nile crocodile has bony plates (osteoderms) on its back. Crocodilaemus, being an ancient relative, likely had them too. Bottlenose dolphin, a mammal, does not.
• A long, pointed snout: Both Crocodilaemus and Nile crocodile have long, pointed snouts as adaptations for catching prey. Bottlenose dolphin has a different - shaped rostrum (not a snout in the crocodilian sense).
• Front and back legs: Crocodilaemus (as a reptile - like ancient form) and Nile crocodile (a reptile) have front and back legs. Bottlenose dolphin has front flippers (modified limbs) but no back legs (vestigial in internal structure only).
• Front flippers: Bottlenose dolphin has front flippers (modified forelimbs for swimming). Crocodilaemus and Nile crocodile have legs (not flippers), though Crocodilaemus may have had more aquatic - adapted limbs than modern Nile crocodile in some aspects, but not flippers.

Based on the above, the Nile crocodile shares more traits (bony plates, long pointed snout, front and back legs) with Crocodilaemus compared to the bottlenose dolphin.

Answer:

Nile crocodile