Rakidurids

Rakidurids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 237 to 201 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in Europe, North America, and South America. Rakidurids are characterized by their elongated, serpentine bodies, which were adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Their skulls were relatively small and their teeth were simple and conical, suggesting a diet of small fish and invertebrates.

The most well-known rakidurid is Rakosaurus, which was one of the largest marine reptiles of its time, reaching lengths of up to 10 meters. Other notable rakidurids include Erythrosuchus and Prolacerta. Rakidurids are believed to have been active predators, using their streamlined bodies to chase down prey in the water. They are thought to have been outcompeted by more advanced marine reptiles, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, which evolved during the Jurassic period.

Rakidurids are classified within the order Erythrosuchia, which also includes the group of marine reptiles known as thalattosaurs. The exact relationships between rakidurids and other erythrosuchians are still a topic of ongoing research. Despite their extinction, rakidurids provide valuable insights into the early evolution of marine reptiles and their adaptation to aquatic environments.