podocnemidids

Podocnemidids are a family of extinct, semi-aquatic reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 99 to 66 million years ago. They are known from fossils found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Podocnemidids are characterized by their elongated, paddle-like limbs, which were adapted for swimming, and their small, toothless jaws. They had a streamlined body shape, similar to that of modern-day crocodilians, and were likely ambush predators.

The family Podocnemididae is divided into two subfamilies: Podocnemidinae and Eupodocnemidinae. Podocnemidinae includes the type genus Podocnemis, which is known from fossils found in North America and Europe. Eupodocnemidinae includes the genera Eupodocnemis and Sinopodocnemis, which are known from fossils found in Asia.

Podocnemidids are an important group of reptiles because they represent one of the last groups of non-avian dinosaurs to evolve before the extinction event that marked the end of the Cretaceous period. They are also of interest to paleontologists because of their unique adaptations for a semi-aquatic lifestyle.