Ohtrusidae

Ohtrusidae is a proposed family of extinct marine reptiles. This taxonomic classification is based on a limited fossil record, primarily from the Late Cretaceous period. The most significant find attributed to this group is a partial skeleton discovered in what is now North America. The defining characteristics of Ohtrusidae, as currently understood, include specific anatomical features of the skull, vertebral column, and limb elements. These features suggest a unique evolutionary lineage among Mesozoic marine reptiles, potentially representing a distinct group of ichthyosaurs or a related, but separate, clade.

The exact phylogenetic position of Ohtrusidae within the broader evolutionary tree of marine reptiles remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate and research. Further fossil discoveries and detailed anatomical analyses are crucial for solidifying its taxonomic status and understanding its ecological role. Due to the fragmentary nature of the available fossils, many aspects of Ohtrusidae's biology, such as its diet, reproductive strategies, and geographical distribution, are still largely unknown and subject to speculation. Researchers continue to investigate potential new fossil sites and re-examine existing collections for evidence that may shed more light on this enigmatic extinct marine creature.