Reproduction

           Not much was found on the life cycle and reproduction of phytosaurs.    However, given their croc-like bodies and phylogeny, it is presumable that phytosaur and crocodile life cycles are similar.  Their classification they would have reproduced sexually and laid amniotic eggs.  The lack of a vomeronasal system indicates a lack of pheromones used in communication between individuals.  Phytosaurs would have likely communicated via visual, acoustic, and tactile cues as in other tetrapods to mark boundaries, show reproductive status, distinguish gender, and identify species (Senter, 2002).  There is some evidence that some phytosaur species expressed dimorphism between sexes.  Ballew noted that younger females lacked a crested skull while other specimens possessed fully crested skulls (Ballew, 1989).  This difference could be enough to visually distinguish a breeding age female supporting Senter’s findings on the lack of pheromones used in breeding.

Cartoon depicting the physical problems that a Phytosaur would face if it had a vomeronasal system with its dorsal nare placement (Senter, 2002).