Interactions with other species

       There were a large number of phytosaurs that existed and, as such, there was variation in how they interacted with other species. Overall, phytosaurs were large, reptilean carnivores. Their main interactions would have been with their prey.  They hunted in a manner very similar to modern crocidiles and both phytosaurs and crocodiles likely shared many charecteristics concerning the way they interacted with other species. Species in their group took advantage of their posteriorly-placed nostrils to stay submerged just beneath the surface of their aquatic enviornment and sneak up on prey. Their soft, secondary palate allowed them to then maintain respiration while attacking their prey underwater  (Murrey, 1989).  Another species that existed during the same time and in the same places, evident by fossil remains, was Jachaleria candelariensis, an almost pig-looking herbivore (Kischlat and Lucas, 2003).   It is possible that J. candelariensis may have been prey to phytosaurs and stomach remains contain hard evidence this occured.  Commonly found in the same stratifications as Smilosuchus are Aetosaurs, Metoposaurs, and various fish species.  Dinosauriforms, Revueltosaurs, and Vansleavea are also found nearby but not as commonly as the previously mentioned (Loughney et. al., 2011).