Stenaulorhynchus

Stenaulorhynchus is an extinct genus of rhynchosaur, a group of herbivorous archosauromorph reptiles that lived during the Triassic period. Fossils of Stenaulorhynchus have been found in deposits dating to the Late Triassic, primarily in Africa. The name Stenaulorhynchus means "narrow groove snout," referring to a distinctive feature of its skull.

This genus is characterized by its elongated, narrow snout, which was covered in grooves and pits. The exact function of these cranial features is still debated, but they may have been involved in sensory perception, such as detecting vibrations in the ground or water, or possibly for display. Stenaulorhynchus possessed a beak-like snout, typical of rhynchosaurs, which was likely used for cropping vegetation. Its teeth were relatively small and peg-like, suggesting a diet of soft plant material.

Rhynchosaurs like Stenaulorhynchus were among the most abundant herbivores in many Triassic ecosystems. They were part of the larger archosauromorph radiation, which eventually led to the evolution of crocodiles, birds, and dinosaurs. The extinction of rhynchosaurs occurred at the end of the Triassic, likely due to the environmental changes associated with the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event. While not a direct ancestor of modern reptiles, Stenaulorhynchus provides valuable insight into the diversity and evolution of early archosauromorphs.