Phytosaurian

Phytosaurs, also known as phytosaurians, 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, narrow snouts filled with sharp teeth, which they used to catch and eat fish. Phytosaurs had a streamlined body, flippers, and a long tail, making them well-adapted for swimming. They are believed to have been active predators, using their powerful jaws to crush the bones of their prey.

Phytosaurs are named after the Greek words "phyton," meaning plant, and "sauros," meaning lizard, reflecting their initial misidentification as plant-eating reptiles. However, their diet was primarily composed of fish, making them more accurately described as ichthyosaurs, or fish-lizards. The most well-known genus of phytosaur is Plesiosaurus, which was first described in the 19th century based on fossil remains found in Europe and North America.

Phytosaurs are an important part of the fossil record, providing valuable insights into the evolution of marine reptiles and the ecosystems of the Mesozoic seas. Their remains have been found in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Despite their widespread distribution, phytosaurs are relatively rare in the fossil record, with only a few complete skeletons having been discovered.