Phytosaurians

Phytosaurians were an extinct group of large, crocodile-like reptiles that lived during the Triassic period. They were semi-aquatic, with their nostrils located on top of their heads, similar to modern crocodiles, allowing them to lie in wait for prey with most of their bodies submerged. Despite their superficial resemblance to crocodiles, phytosaurians were not closely related. They belonged to a separate reptilian lineage and represent an example of convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. Phytosaurians were top predators in their aquatic ecosystems, feeding on fish and other smaller vertebrates. They were a diverse group, with many different species found across the globe. Their reign as dominant aquatic predators ended with the end-Triassic extinction event, after which crocodiles and other marine reptiles rose to prominence. Fossil evidence indicates they ranged in size from a few meters to over ten meters in length. Their armor-plated bodies and powerful jaws made them formidable hunters.