Pachyseridae
Pachyseridae is a family of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Placodontia. These marine reptiles lived during the Middle Triassic period, approximately 247 to 237 million years ago. Pachyserids were characterized by their large, robust bodies and powerful jaws, which were adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey. They were widely distributed across the Tethys Sea, an ancient ocean that existed between the supercontinents of Laurasia and Gondwana.
Common Names
Pachyserids are often referred to as "pachypleurosaurids" or "placodonts," although these terms can also refer to other members of the Placodontia order.
Characteristics
Pachyserids possessed several distinctive features that set them apart from other marine reptiles. These include:
- Large, robust body: Pachyserids were generally large animals, reaching lengths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) or more. Their bodies were thick and robust, likely adapted for a benthic lifestyle, meaning they lived on the seafloor.
- Powerful jaws: Pachyserids had strong jaws with massive teeth, perfect for crushing the shells of their prey. Their teeth were often conical and blunt, similar to the teeth of modern-day sea turtles.
- Short limbs: Their limbs were short and stout, likely used for maneuvering on the seafloor rather than for swimming.
- Strong tail: Pachyserids had powerful tails that may have been used for swimming or for propelling themselves through the water.
Environment
Pachyserids were primarily found in shallow marine environments, such as lagoons and reefs. Their adaptations, including their strong jaws and benthic lifestyle, suggest they were specialized predators of hard-shelled creatures like molluscs, crustaceans, and brachiopods.
References
Wikipedia: Pachyseridae
Fossilworks: Pachyseridae
ResearchGate: Pachyseridae