Mesosuchians
Mesosuchians are an extinct informal group of mesosuchian crocodylomorphs. This group lived from the Early Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous periods. They are characterized by a transitional form between primitive crocodylomorphs and the more advanced eusuchians. Mesosuchians were a diverse group, inhabiting freshwater and possibly some brackish environments. Their anatomy often displayed a mosaic of primitive and derived features.
Notable mesosuchian families include the Goniopholididae, known for their robust build and osteoderms, and the Pholidosauridae,
The evolutionary position of mesosuchians is crucial for understanding the development of modern crocodilians. They represent