Mikrotasemel

Mikrotasemel is a genus of extinct marine reptiles, specifically a group of ichthyosaurs that lived during the Triassic period. The name "Mikrotasemel" is derived from the Greek words "mikros," meaning small, and "tasemel," which refers to the genus of ichthyosaurs Tasiceras. This name reflects the relatively small size of the Mikrotasemel fossils found to date.

Fossils of Mikrotasemel have been discovered in Triassic deposits in Serbia. The genus is characterized by its small body size, typically around 1 meter in length, and a distinctive skull morphology. The skull of Mikrotasemel is wider than it is long, with a broad, square-shaped snout and a prominent sagittal crest. The teeth of Mikrotasemel are small and paddle-shaped.

Mikrotasemel is considered a basal member of the ichthyosaur family, meaning it is one of the oldest known relatives of modern ichthyosaurs. Studies suggest that Mikrotasemel may have evolved from a terrestrial reptile that made the transition to marine life, a process known as secondarily developing aquatic adaptations.

The phylogenetic relationships of Mikrotasemel are still a subject of research, and its exact position within the ichthyosaur family is not yet fully understood. However, its discovery has provided valuable insights into the early evolution of ichthyosaurs and the diversification of marine reptiles during the Triassic period. Further study of Mikrotasemel fossils is necessary to clarify its place within the broader context of ichthyosaur evolution.