Nimmelülides

Nimmelülides, also known as Nimmelülides, are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 237 to 201 million years ago. They are named after the genus Nimmelia, which was first described by the German paleontologist Friedrich von Huene in 1932. Nimmelülides are characterized by their elongated, serpentine bodies, small heads, and a unique set of teeth. Their teeth are small, conical, and arranged in a single row along the upper and lower jaws, which is a distinctive feature among marine reptiles.

Nimmelülides are believed to have been semi-aquatic predators, feeding on small fish and other marine creatures. Their fossils have been found in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, and they are thought to have inhabited shallow marine environments. The group includes several genera, such as Nimmelia, Prolacerta, and Prolacertidae, which are all known from fragmentary remains.

The exact classification of Nimmelülides within the reptile family tree is still a topic of debate among paleontologists. Some researchers suggest that they may be closely related to the ancestors of modern reptiles, while others propose that they are more distantly related and represent a separate lineage. Despite these uncertainties, Nimmelülides are an important part of the fossil record, providing valuable insights into the early evolution of marine reptiles and the diversity of life during the Triassic period.