Wrassoids

Wrassoids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are characterized by their distinctive, paddle-like limbs and are believed to have been semi-aquatic or fully aquatic creatures. Wrassoids are named after the genus Wrassea, which was first described by the German paleontologist Friedrich von Huene in 1932.

The most well-known wrassoids are the members of the family Wrassidae, which includes genera such as Wrassea, Wrassonyx, and Wrassognathus. These reptiles had long, slender bodies and were adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with their paddle-like limbs being particularly well-suited for swimming. Their teeth were also specialized for feeding on fish and other aquatic prey.

Wrassoids are believed to have been one of the earliest groups of marine reptiles, and their evolution is thought to have been influenced by the changing marine environments of the Late Triassic. They are considered to be closely related to the ichthyosaurs, another group of marine reptiles that evolved later in the Mesozoic era.

The fossil record of wrassoids is relatively limited, with most specimens being found in Europe and North America. However, their unique adaptations and evolutionary significance make them an important group of extinct marine reptiles.