Mesosuchia

Mesosuchia is an extinct suborder of mesosuchian crocodylomorphs. These animals lived during the Mesozoic Era, primarily the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Mesosuchians represent a diverse group of early crocodilians and their relatives, bridging the gap between more primitive pseudosuchians and modern crocodylians. They are characterized by a range of anatomical features, including specific skull morphologies and limb structures that were often more adapted for terrestrial or semi-aquatic life compared to their more aquatic descendants.

Fossil evidence for Mesosuchia has been found on several continents, indicating a widespread distribution during their reign. Some notable mesosuchian genera include Steneosaurus, which was a long-snouted marine crocodile, and Suchomimus, a bipedal predator. Their diets varied, with some likely preying on fish and others on land animals. The evolutionary significance of Mesosuchia lies in their position within the crocodylomorph lineage, showcasing the diversification of this group before the evolution of the major modern crocodilian families. Their extinction, like many other groups, is often linked to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.