Platylophidae

Platylophidae is a family of extinct marine reptiles that belonged to the order Sauropterygia, which includes plesiosaurs and their relatives. This family is notable for its distinctive, flattened skulls, which gave rise to its name, derived from the Greek words *platys* (flat) and *lophos* (crest). Platylophidae lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 160 to 150 million years ago, primarily in what is now Europe.

The most well-known genus within this family is *Platylophosaurus*, characterized by its broad, flat skull with a pronounced crest along the midline. This crest may have served various functions, including species recognition, thermoregulation, or display. Fossil evidence suggests that Platylophidae were semi-aquatic predators, likely feeding on fish and other small marine creatures. Their limbs were adapted for swimming, with elongated necks and bodies resembling those of later plesiosaurs, though they were generally smaller in size.

Platylophidae is considered a transitional group between earlier sauropterygians like the Nothosauroidea and the more derived plesiosaurs. Their fossils have been discovered in marine sediments across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, particularly in the famous Solnhofen limestone deposits. The family’s limited fossil record and distinct anatomical features make it an important subject in the study of sauropterygian evolution.

While Platylophidae is not as widely recognized as some other prehistoric marine reptiles, its unique skull morphology and ecological role provide valuable insights into the diversity and adaptation of Jurassic marine ecosystems. Research continues to refine understanding of their behavior, taxonomy, and evolutionary relationships within Sauropterygia.