brakys

Brakys are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, approximately 237 to 183 million years ago. They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and paddle-like limbs, which were adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Brakys are believed to have been semi-aquatic predators, feeding on fish and other small marine animals.

The name "brakys" comes from the Greek words "brakhus," meaning "short," and "sauros," meaning "lizard." This name reflects the short, stocky appearance of these reptiles compared to their more elongated relatives, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.

Fossils of brakys have been found in Europe, North America, and Africa. They are known from a variety of skeletal remains, including skulls, vertebrae, and limb bones. The most well-known species is B. brachyops, which was first described in 1841 by the German paleontologist Johann Andreas Wagner.

Brakys are an important part of the fossil record, as they provide insight into the evolution of marine reptiles and the transition from terrestrial to fully aquatic lifestyles. Their unique adaptations and semi-aquatic lifestyle make them a fascinating subject for study in the fields of paleontology and evolutionary biology.