Veetornids

The Veetornids are a group of tetrapod reptiles that lived during the Early Triassic period, approximately 245-233 million years ago. The name Veetornids comes from the Taivaljärvi Formation in Finland, where the first fossils were discovered.

According to paleontological records, Veetornids were small to medium-sized animals, measuring between 20-50 centimeters in length. They had a long, slender body, with a long tail and short, stumpy legs. Their skull was characterized by a long, narrow snout and a distinctive tympanic ear cavity.

Veetornids were terrestrial or semi-aquatic animals, with a likely lifestyle that involved burrowing or exploring riverbank environments. They likely fed on small animals, such as insects and amphibians.

The Veetornid family is currently divided into two main genera: Viatkosisaurus and Russellosaurus. The most well-known Veetornid species is Viatkosisaurus, which was discovered in the early 2000s. However, more recent discoveries have revealed the existence of other, closely-related genera.

The Veetornid's phylogenetic relationships remain somewhat unclear, but they are believed to be part of the larger group -Archosauromorphs, which includes modern crocodiles, dinosaurs, and their extinct relatives. Further research is necessary to fully understand the Veetornid's place within the tetrapod tree of life.