Palaeophiids

Palaeophiids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, from the Late Triassic to the Late Cretaceous periods. They are characterized by their long, serpentine bodies and the presence of a single row of teeth along the upper jaw. Palaeophiids are believed to have been semi-aquatic, with some species having adapted to a fully aquatic lifestyle.

The most well-known palaeophiid is the ichthyosaur, a marine reptile that lived during the Mesozoic era. Ichthyosaurs had a streamlined body, flippers, and a long, pointed snout filled with sharp teeth. They were active predators, feeding on fish and other marine reptiles. Ichthyosaurs are believed to have gone extinct around 90 million years ago, along with the dinosaurs.

Other palaeophiids include the plesiosaurs, which had a long neck and four flippers. Plesiosaurs were also marine predators, feeding on fish and other marine reptiles. They are believed to have gone extinct around 66 million years ago, along with the dinosaurs.

Palaeophiids are an important group of marine reptiles that played a significant role in the Mesozoic marine ecosystem. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of marine reptiles and the history of the Mesozoic marine ecosystem.