semployeeids

Semployeeids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in Europe, North America, and Africa. Semployeeids are characterized by their elongated bodies, paddle-like limbs, and a distinctive sail-like structure on their backs, which was likely used for display or thermoregulation. Their name is derived from the type genus Semployee, which was named after the Semployee Formation in Denmark, where many of their fossils have been found.

Semployeeids are believed to have been semi-aquatic creatures, spending much of their time in or near bodies of water. Their paddle-like limbs suggest that they were strong swimmers, and their sail-like structure may have helped them to regulate their body temperature in the water. Semployeeids are thought to have been carnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey, including other marine reptiles and fish.

The exact classification of Semployeeids within the larger group of marine reptiles is still a topic of debate among paleontologists. Some researchers place them within the group of ichthyosaurs, while others suggest that they may represent a separate lineage of marine reptiles. Regardless of their exact classification, Semployeeids are an important group of fossils that provide valuable insights into the evolution of marine life during the Triassic period.