Pholidosaurids

Pholidosaurids were a diverse group of extinct crocodylomorphs that lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. They are characterized by their relatively long, slender snouts, robust skulls, and often heavily armored bodies. While their exact evolutionary relationships are still debated, they are generally considered to be within the group Neosuchia, which includes modern crocodiles. Pholidosaurids occupied a range of ecological niches, with some being primarily aquatic predators while others may have been more terrestrial.

Fossil evidence of pholidosaurids has been found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and South America, indicating a wide distribution across Gondwana and Laurasia. Notable genera include Sarcosuchus, which was one of the largest crocodylomorphs ever discovered, reaching lengths of up to 11 meters. Other well-known members are Pholidosaurus and Eusuchus. The presence of osteoderms, bony plates embedded in their skin, was a common feature, providing protection. Their diet likely consisted of fish, smaller reptiles, and possibly even dinosaurs, depending on the size and habitat of the individual species. The extinction of pholidosaurids is linked to broader environmental changes and competition with other crocodylomorph lineages.