angulicephalus

Angulicephalus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 201 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Angulicephalus africanus, which was discovered in South Africa. Angulicephalus is notable for its distinctive skull structure, which is characterized by a large, angular snout and a series of small, tooth-like structures on the roof of the mouth. These structures are believed to have been used for crushing and grinding food, a characteristic that is unique among marine reptiles.

The fossil remains of Angulicephalus have been found in marine deposits, suggesting that the animal was fully aquatic. Its body was likely streamlined and adapted for swimming, with a long tail and powerful limbs. The limbs were likely used for swimming and maneuvering in the water, rather than for walking on land. The exact size of Angulicephalus is unknown, but it is believed to have been a medium-sized marine reptile.

Angulicephalus is an important fossil because it provides insight into the evolution of marine reptiles during the Triassic period. Its unique skull structure and aquatic adaptations suggest that it may have been an early ancestor of the marine reptiles that would later dominate the seas, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. The discovery of Angulicephalus has helped to fill in gaps in our understanding of the early evolution of marine reptiles and their adaptations to aquatic life.