Pelatessasuch

Pelatessasuch is a genus of extinct crocodyliforms that lived during the Late Triassic period in what is now North America. The name "Pelatessasuch" means "flat lizard crocodile" in Greek, referring to its flattened skull and reptilian appearance. Fossils of Pelatessasuch have been found in the Chinle Formation, a well-known fossil-bearing unit of rock.

This ancient reptile is classified within the order Crocodylomorpha, a diverse group that includes modern crocodiles and their extinct relatives. Pelatessasuch belonged to a group known as the phytosaurs, which were semi-aquatic predators that superficially resembled crocodiles. However, phytosaurs are not direct ancestors of modern crocodiles but rather represent a case of convergent evolution, meaning they developed similar traits independently.

Key distinguishing features of Pelatessasuch include its relatively small size compared to some other phytosaurs, and a distinctive flattened skull. Its diet likely consisted of fish and other small aquatic or terrestrial animals. The presence of Pelatessasuch in the Chinle Formation provides important information about the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Late Triassic. The extinction of phytosaurs, including Pelatessasuch, occurred at the end of the Triassic period, possibly due to environmental changes or competition with other emerging reptile groups.