In Restes the osteoderms are flattened while for Exostinus they are subconical. |
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However, its skull also shows the characteristic osteoderms, or bony plates in the skin, that distinguish crocodiles from their dinosaur relatives. |
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Crocodiles have smooth skin on their bellies and sides, while their dorsal surfaces are armoured with large osteoderms. |
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Instead of scutes, it has thick, leathery skin with embedded minuscule osteoderms. |
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Very few complete carapaces or cranial and postcranial elements are recovered, and osteoderms are usually found isolated. |
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In Glyptotherium, hundreds of small osteoderms, also known as scutes, make up a typical carapace. |
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The scales may be modified into spines for display or protection, and some species have bone osteoderms underneath the scales. |
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