Urolithus

Urolithus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. The genus is known from several well-preserved fossils found in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. Urolithus is characterized by its unique combination of features, including a long, slender body, a large head with a distinctive snout, and a long, whip-like tail. The most distinctive feature of Urolithus is its large, flat, and paddle-like tail, which is thought to have been used for swimming and maneuvering in the water.

Urolithus is believed to have been a semi-aquatic reptile, similar to modern-day crocodilians and turtles. It is thought to have lived in freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers, and may have fed on fish and other aquatic prey. The genus is named for its distinctive stone-like teeth, which are thought to have been used for crushing and grinding food. Urolithus is an important fossil because it provides valuable insights into the evolution of marine reptiles and their adaptations to aquatic environments.