The phylogenetic signal, although existing, is quite moderate, and sadly cannot be 'translated' into relevant morphological characters. This study will be useful and raises several problems for the inclusion of fossil forms, to study ecological changes for example.

Through a very thorough sampling of extant crocs (111 specimens of diverse ontogenetic stages and taxa) we show that the morphology of the endosseous labyrinth is mainly related to the size of the specimen (allometry) and probably to changes in braincase conformation.

I tried to put in as much references as possible, summarizing decades of research, so a good place to start to get interested in this group, or (hopefully) to get a global overview.