Kaateriallickia

Kaateriallickia is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the clade Thalattosauria, which thrived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 201 million years ago. These reptiles were semi-aquatic predators, adapted to life in shallow coastal waters, and are notable for their elongated snouts and streamlined bodies, which suggest a diet primarily consisting of fish and other small marine creatures.

Fossil remains of Kaateriallickia have been discovered in what is now the southwestern United States, particularly in the Chinle Formation of Arizona. The genus was first described in 2011 by paleontologists, who named it after the Kaateriallick Member of the Chinle Formation, where the type species, Kaateriallickia hamiltonae, was found. The specific epithet *hamiltonae* honors paleontologist Linda T. Hamilton for her contributions to the study of Triassic reptiles.

Kaateriallickia is characterized by its relatively small size, with estimated lengths ranging from about 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet). Its skull features a long, narrow snout with numerous conical teeth, adapted for grasping slippery prey. The body was likely covered in scales, and its limbs were modified for efficient swimming, with the front limbs appearing more paddle-like than the hind limbs.

Like other thalattosaurs, Kaateriallickia represents an important group in understanding the evolutionary transition from terrestrial reptiles to fully marine reptiles. Its fossil record provides insights into the ecological diversity of Late Triassic marine ecosystems and the adaptations that allowed reptiles to exploit aquatic environments during this time. Research on Kaateriallickia continues to contribute to broader studies of reptile evolution and paleobiology.