Idoskalidae
The Idoskalidae is a family of extinct marine reptiles that belonged to the order Sauropterygia, which includes ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and their relatives. This group is characterized by its elongated neck and body, resembling modern-day snakes or eels, which allowed for a streamlined, serpentine swimming style. Fossil remains of Idoskalidae have been primarily discovered in marine deposits dating from the Late Triassic to the Early Jurassic periods, approximately 220 to 190 million years ago.
Idoskalidae is distinguished by its unique anatomical features, such as a long, flexible neck composed of numerous
The taxonomy of Idoskalidae remains somewhat debated, with some researchers classifying it as a distinct family
Idoskalidae is significant in the study of sauropterygian evolution, as it represents an intermediate form between