Lagundamiformes

Lagundamiformes is an extinct order of marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, approximately 237 to 183 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in Europe, North America, and South America. Lagundamiformes are characterized by their elongated, snake-like bodies, which were adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Their skulls were relatively small and their teeth were simple and conical, suitable for crushing food. The order is divided into two families: Lagundamidae and Prolacertidae. Lagundamidae, the more basal family, includes the genus Lagundasuchus, which is known from a single species, L. minor. Prolacertidae, the more derived family, includes several genera, such as Prolacerta, Prolacertosaurus, and Prolacertops. These reptiles were likely ambush predators, using their elongated bodies to sneak up on prey in shallow marine environments. The extinction of Lagundamiformes is thought to have been caused by the same factors that led to the extinction of other marine reptiles at the end of the Triassic, including climate change and competition from other predators.