Turufondid

Turufondid, also known as turufondids or turufondids, are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are named after the genus Turu, which was first described in 1977 from fossils found in the Turu Formation of Tanzania. Turufondids are characterized by their long, slender bodies, flippers, and a long, whip-like tail. They are believed to have been semi-aquatic or fully aquatic, and may have been similar in appearance to modern-day sea turtles.

Turufondids are classified within the order Eosuchia, which also includes other extinct marine reptiles such as placodonts and nothosaurs. They are further classified within the family Turufondidae, which includes several genera such as Turu, Turufondus, and Turufondus. The most well-known genus is Turu, which is known from several complete skeletons and is considered to be one of the most complete examples of a turufondid.

Turufondids are of particular interest to paleontologists because they provide important insights into the evolution of marine reptiles and the transition from terrestrial to fully aquatic lifestyles. Their fossils have been found in various parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and Europe, indicating that they may have been widely distributed during the Late Triassic period. However, their exact relationships with other marine reptiles and their role in the marine ecosystem remain topics of ongoing research.