potracea

Potracea is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the group known as mosasaurs. These animals lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 90 to 75 million years ago. Potracea fossils have been found in various parts of the world, indicating a wide distribution during their existence.

The genus Potracea is characterized by specific anatomical features, particularly in the skull and vertebral column, which distinguish it from other mosasaur genera. Like other mosasaurs, Potracea were likely active predators, inhabiting the shallow seas and coastal waters of the Cretaceous. Their diet probably consisted of fish, ammonites, and other marine invertebrates.

While the exact evolutionary relationships of Potracea within the mosasaur phylogeny are still subject to research, they are generally considered to be part of the Mosasauridae family. The discovery and study of Potracea fossils contribute to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era, shedding light on the complex ecosystems of the ancient oceans before the K-Pg extinction event. Further paleontological discoveries are expected to refine our knowledge of this fascinating extinct genus.