thalamosaur

Thalamosaurs are a group of marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are known for their distinctive, flat, paddle-like limbs, which were adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Thalamosaurs are believed to have been semi-aquatic predators, feeding on fish and other marine creatures. They had a long, slender body, a small head, and a long, whip-like tail. Their most distinctive feature is the flat, paddle-like limbs, which were likely used for swimming and maneuvering in the water. Thalamosaurs are thought to have been active predators, using their sharp teeth to catch and kill their prey. They are considered to be one of the most successful groups of marine reptiles of the Triassic period, with numerous species known from fossils found around the world. Thalamosaurs are also notable for their unique adaptations to a marine lifestyle, including their streamlined body shape and their ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time. Despite their success, thalamosaurs went extinct at the end of the Triassic period, likely due to competition from other marine reptiles and changes in the environment.