kiiritids

Kiiritids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that belonged to the order Thalattosauria, which thrived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 201 million years ago. These reptiles were semi-aquatic predators, adapted to life in both water and on land. Their name, *Kiiritisaurus*, is derived from the Kiiri people of Tanzania, where some of their fossils have been discovered, along with the suffix *-saurus*, meaning "lizard" in Greek.

Kiiritids were characterized by their elongated, streamlined bodies, which resembled those of modern-day dolphins or crocodiles. They had four paddle-like limbs, well-suited for swimming, and a long, flexible tail that aided in propulsion. Their skulls were relatively small compared to their bodies, with sharp teeth adapted for catching fish and other small marine creatures. Some species exhibited elongated snouts, possibly indicating a specialized diet or hunting technique.

Fossil evidence of kiiritids has been found primarily in what is now East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, as well as in parts of Europe and South America. These discoveries suggest that they inhabited shallow coastal waters and estuaries, where they could easily transition between aquatic and terrestrial environments. Their presence in multiple continents indicates a widespread distribution during the Late Triassic.

Kiiritids are significant in the study of marine reptile evolution, offering insights into the adaptations that allowed reptiles to colonize and thrive in marine habitats. Their anatomical features, such as streamlined bodies and paddle-like limbs, reflect the evolutionary pressures of an aquatic lifestyle. While they went extinct during the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event, their fossils provide valuable information about the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of the Mesozoic era.