Riptodontidae

Riptodontidae is an extinct family of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These marine reptiles lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil evidence suggests that members of Riptodontidae were distributed across the globe. Their exact phylogenetic placement within Plesiosauria is a subject of ongoing research, but they are generally considered to be related to other pliosaurs, a group of short-necked plesiosaurs.

The defining characteristics of Riptodontidae are primarily based on skeletal remains. These include features of their skull, jaw structure, and vertebral column, which distinguish them from other plesiosaur families. Like other pliosaurs, Riptodontidae are believed to have been large, predatory marine animals. Their diet likely consisted of fish, ammonites, and possibly other marine reptiles, based on their powerful jaws and sharp teeth.

Fossils attributed to Riptodontidae have been found in various geological formations dating to the Late Cretaceous. The discovery and analysis of these fossils have provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era. While the genus Riptodon itself is the type genus for the family, further research may reveal additional genera belonging to Riptodontidae or lead to reclassifications as more complete specimens are unearthed and studied. The extinction of Riptodontidae, like that of many other large marine reptiles, is thought to be linked to the K-Pg extinction event.