platyodon

Platyodon is a genus of prehistoric marine reptiles belonging to the extinct order Thalattosauria. These marine reptiles lived during the Late Triassic period. The name "Platyodon" literally means "flat tooth," a reference to the distinctive flattened teeth found in the fossilized remains of these creatures.

Fossil evidence of Platyodon has been discovered primarily in North America, particularly in the western United States. These fossils typically consist of skull fragments and isolated teeth. The skull of Platyodon was relatively small, and the teeth were adapted for crushing or grinding, suggesting a diet that may have included hard-shelled invertebrates like mollusks or crustaceans.

Thalattosaurs, including Platyodon, are characterized by their elongated bodies, paddle-like limbs, and long tails, adaptations for a marine or semi-aquatic lifestyle. They are thought to have inhabited shallow coastal waters. While Platyodon is a recognized genus within the Thalattosauria, much of our understanding of these animals is based on limited fossil material, making detailed anatomical descriptions and ecological interpretations challenging. The study of Platyodon contributes to our broader understanding of marine reptile evolution during the Mesozoic Era.