MICarvoa

Micarvoa is a genus of extinct reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era. It is a type of lizard that belonged to the group of archosaurs, a group that includes crocodiles, dinosaurs, and their relatives.

Micarvoa fossils have been found in Africa and Asia, with the earliest known specimens dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The genus is characterized by its long, narrow snout and relatively large eyes. The fossil evidence suggests that Micarvoa was a carnivorous lizard, likely feeding on small animals and insects.

Several species of Micarvoa have been described, with the most well-known being Micarvoa gracilis. This species is considered to be one of the most primitive members of the genus, with a more primitive skull morphology compared to other Micarvoa species.

Phylogenetic studies have placed Micarvoa within the clade of Rauisuchia, a group of archosaurs that also includes the clade Rauisuchia proper, which includes the well-known Rauisuchian predator Rauisuchus. The exact relationships within the clade are still the subject of ongoing research, but Micarvoa is thought to have been a sister taxon to the genus Erpetosuchus.

Overall, Micarvoa is an important part of our understanding of early archosaur diversity, and the ongoing study of its fossils continues to provide valuable insights into the evolution of reptiles during the Mesozoic Era.