Anterioriselta

Anterioriselta is a genus of small, extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Anterioriselta wimani, which was discovered in the United States. Anterioriselta is notable for its unique combination of features, including a long, slender body, a large head with a distinctive beak, and a pair of long, thin limbs.

The name Anterioriselta is derived from the Latin words "anterior," meaning "front," and "iselta," which is a reference to the Iselta Formation in New Mexico, where the fossil was found. The specific name wimani honors the paleontologist who first described the species, Dr. William Wiman.

Anterioriselta is believed to have been a semi-aquatic predator, using its long limbs to swim and its sharp beak to catch prey. Its fossils have been found in association with those of other marine reptiles, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, suggesting that it may have coexisted with these animals in the ancient seas.

Despite its unique features, Anterioriselta is not closely related to any other known genus of marine reptiles. Its exact evolutionary relationships remain uncertain, but it is thought to have been a member of the larger group of archosaurs, which includes dinosaurs and crocodilians.

Anterioriselta is an important addition to our understanding of the diversity of marine reptiles during the Triassic period. Its discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of these animals and their role in the ancient ecosystems of the time.