phytosaurids

Phytosaurs, also known as plant-eating lizards, are a group of extinct synapsids that lived during the Permian and Triassic periods. They are characterized by their distinctive, flat, toothless snouts, which were likely used for grazing on vegetation. Phytosaurs are believed to have been one of the dominant herbivorous groups during the Permian period, and their fossils have been found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and South Africa.

The most well-known genus of phytosaur is Erythrosuchus, which lived during the Permian period. Erythrosuchus is known for its large size, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to 10 meters. Other notable genera include Phytosaurus, which lived during the Triassic period, and Prolacerta, which is one of the smallest known phytosaurs.

Phytosaurs are believed to have been semi-aquatic animals, with their flat snouts and long limbs adapted for swimming. They are also thought to have been social animals, with some species exhibiting sexual dimorphism, where males and females have different physical characteristics.

The extinction of phytosaurs is thought to have been caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, competition with other herbivorous groups, and the rise of dinosaurs during the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event. Despite their eventual extinction, phytosaurs played an important role in the evolution of life on Earth, and their fossils continue to provide valuable insights into the diversity and adaptations of synapsids during the Mesozoic era.