Ukenehisomatyk

Ukenehisomatyk, also known as Ukenehisomatykus, is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. The genus is represented by a single species, Ukenehisomatykus kochi, which was discovered in the United States. The name Ukenehisomatykus is derived from the Greek words "ukenehis," meaning "hook," and "somatykos," meaning "body," referring to the distinctive hook-like structure on the back of the animal.

Ukenehisomatykus kochi is known from a single fossil specimen, which consists of a partial skull and a few vertebrae. The skull is relatively small, with a distinctive hook-like structure on the back, which is believed to have been used for defense or display. The body of Ukenehisomatykus was likely slender and elongated, similar to other early marine reptiles.

The fossil of Ukenehisomatykus kochi was discovered in the Chinle Formation of Arizona, which is known for its diverse fossil record of Late Triassic marine reptiles. The discovery of Ukenehisomatykus provides valuable insights into the early evolution of marine reptiles and their adaptations to aquatic environments.

Despite its unique features, Ukenehisomatykus is not closely related to modern marine reptiles such as sea turtles or marine iguanas. Instead, it belongs to a group of early marine reptiles known as thalattosaurs, which were some of the first reptiles to adapt to fully aquatic lifestyles. The genus Ukenehisomatykus represents an important addition to our understanding of the early evolution of marine reptiles and their adaptations to marine environments.