Pinnaeatorids

Pinnaeatorids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, approximately 237 to 175 million years ago. They are known for their distinctive, paddle-like limbs and are considered to be one of the earliest groups of marine reptiles. Pinnaeatorids are characterized by their long, slender bodies and the presence of a large, paddle-like forelimb, which they used for swimming. Their hind limbs were smaller and more adapted for walking on land. The most well-known genus of pinnaeatorid is Pinnaeator, which was discovered in Germany and is known for its large size and robust build. Other genera include Eupinacosaurus, which was found in Germany and China, and Pinacosaurus, which was discovered in Germany and Russia. Pinnaeatorids are believed to have been semi-aquatic creatures that spent much of their time in the water, using their paddle-like limbs to swim and hunt for prey. They are thought to have been active predators, feeding on a variety of marine organisms. Pinnaeatorids went extinct at the end of the Early Jurassic, likely due to competition from other marine reptiles and changes in the environment. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of marine reptiles and the transition from land to sea.