Xinpusaurus

Xinpusaurus is an extinct genus of marine reptile belonging to the order Thalattosauria. Fossils of Xinpusaurus have been found in China, specifically in the Guizhou Province. These marine reptiles lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 210 million years ago. Xinpusaurus is characterized by its elongated body, paddle-like limbs, and a long tail, adaptations typical of marine reptiles that allowed for efficient swimming.

The skull of Xinpusaurus was relatively short and broad, with a distinctive arrangement of teeth that suggests a diet of small marine invertebrates or fish. Several species have been described, including Xinpusaurus sinensis. These thalattosaurs occupied a niche as medium-sized predators in the shallow marine environments of the ancient Tethys Ocean. The discovery of Xinpusaurus has contributed significantly to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Triassic, a critical period for the diversification of life following the Permian-Triassic extinction event. Their presence indicates a thriving marine ecosystem with various specialized inhabitants.