schedorhynchid

Schedorhynchid is a term used in paleontology to refer to a group of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. Specifically, they are considered part of the pliosaur superfamily Pliensbachioidea, which lived during the Early Jurassic period. The name "schedorhynchid" derives from the Greek words "skhedos" (near) and "rhynchos" (snout), likely referring to a characteristic of their skull or jaws.

These marine predators were characterized by their large size, short necks, and powerful jaws equipped with sharp teeth. They were active hunters, preying on fish and other marine animals of the time. Fossil evidence suggests they were distributed across various parts of the globe where marine environments existed during the Early Jurassic.

While the exact phylogenetic relationships and classification of schedorhynchids are subjects of ongoing research and debate among paleontologists, they represent an important component of the Early Jurassic marine ecosystem. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of plesiosaurs and the predatory dynamics of ancient oceans.