Xenosaurids

Xenosaurids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are known for their unique combination of features, including a long, narrow skull, a large number of teeth, and a distinctive body shape. Xenosaurids are believed to have been semi-aquatic, with some species possibly having been fully aquatic.

The most well-known xenosaurid is Xenosaurus, a genus that includes several species. Xenosaurus had a long, slender body, a long neck, and a large number of teeth. It is believed to have been a carnivorous predator, feeding on fish and other small marine reptiles.

Xenosaurids are thought to have gone extinct at the end of the Triassic period, along with many other marine reptiles, due to a mass extinction event. However, some xenosaurids may have survived into the Early Jurassic period, as suggested by a few fragmentary fossils.

Xenosaurids are an important group of marine reptiles, as they provide valuable insights into the evolution of marine ecosystems during the Mesozoic era. Their unique features and adaptations make them a fascinating subject of study for paleontologists and evolutionary biologists.