Mantellinien

Mantellinien are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, approximately 237 to 183 million years ago. They are named after the English paleontologist Gideon Mantell, who first described the group in 1822. Mantelliniens are characterized by their long, slender bodies, paddle-like limbs, and a distinctive sail-like structure on their backs, which was likely used for display or thermoregulation.

The most well-known member of the Mantellinien group is the ichthyosaur, a marine reptile that possessed a streamlined body and powerful flippers. Ichthyosaurs were among the largest marine predators of their time, with some species reaching lengths of over 40 feet. They had a unique adaptation for their environment, with a layer of fat beneath their skin that helped them maintain buoyancy and conserve heat.

Another notable member of the Mantellinien group is the plesiosaur, a marine reptile that possessed a long neck and four powerful flippers. Plesiosaurs were also among the largest marine predators of their time, with some species reaching lengths of over 65 feet. They had a unique adaptation for their environment, with a layer of fat beneath their skin that helped them maintain buoyancy and conserve heat.

Mantelliniens played a significant role in the evolution of marine life during the Mesozoic era. Their unique adaptations for life in the ocean allowed them to dominate the marine ecosystem for millions of years. However, their dominance came to an end with the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. The exact cause of their extinction is still a topic of debate among scientists, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including climate change, volcanic activity, and the impact of a large asteroid.