Pliosauridea

Pliosauridea is an extinct order of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, from the Late Triassic to the Late Cretaceous periods. They are known for their distinctive long, slender bodies and large, toothed jaws, which were adapted for catching and eating fish. Pliosaurs are one of the most well-known groups of plesiosaurs, a larger group of marine reptiles that also includes ichthyosaurs and nothosaurs.

The earliest known pliosaur, Eupneumosaurus, appeared in the Late Triassic, around 230 million years ago. The group reached its peak diversity during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, with numerous species found in marine deposits from around the world. Pliosaurs are characterized by their long, slender necks and tails, which allowed them to swim efficiently and catch prey. Their jaws were filled with sharp, serrated teeth, which they used to grasp and hold onto fish.

Pliosaurs are believed to have been active predators, using their streamlined bodies and powerful tails to chase down and capture prey. They are thought to have been solitary hunters, using their keen senses to locate and attack fish. Pliosaurs are also known for their distinctive skulls, which were adapted for a powerful bite and were often decorated with elaborate crests and ridges.

The last known pliosaur, Pliosaurus brachydeirus, disappeared from the fossil record around 90 million years ago, coinciding with a period of global cooling and a decline in marine biodiversity. The extinction of the pliosaurs is thought to have been caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, competition from other predators, and changes in ocean currents. Despite their eventual extinction, pliosaurs left a lasting impact on the fossil record and our understanding of marine life during the Mesozoic era.