Latwolutes

Latwolutes are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 99 to 66 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Latwolutes are characterized by their elongated, serpentine bodies, which are believed to have been used for swimming and hunting. Their bodies were covered in small, overlapping scales, and they had a long, whip-like tail.

The most well-known species of latwolute is Latimeria chalumnae, which was discovered in the late 19th century in the United States. This species had a body length of up to 20 meters and is believed to have been a top predator in its ecosystem. Other species of latwolutes include Latimeria longipinnis and Latimeria longirostris, which were smaller and had shorter tails.

Latwolutes are believed to have been semi-aquatic creatures, spending most of their time in the water but occasionally coming onto land to lay their eggs. They are thought to have been active predators, using their long bodies to catch fish and other marine creatures. Their fossils have been found in a variety of environments, including coastal areas and deep-sea trenches.

Despite their size and predatory nature, latwolutes are not considered to be a significant threat to modern humans. Their extinction is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including climate change and the rise of mammals. Today, latwolutes are primarily of interest to paleontologists and scientists studying the evolution of marine reptiles.