Askeptosaurus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Askeptosaurus Fossil range: Middle Triassic |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Askeptosaurus italicus
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Species | ||||||||||||
Askeptosaurus is an extinct genus of aquatic reptile related to the thalattosaurian group. It was about 2 m (6 ft 8 in) long. Their remains have been found in Italy.
Askeptosaurus was a very thin, elongated creature that probably swam like an eel. It steered using its webbed feet. Judging from its long jaws, it was a fish eater. Paleontologists think Askeptosaurus hunted in deep waters, based on its large eyes (which would allow it to see better in dark water) and the protective bony ring around its them (also seen in ichthyosaurs), which prevented them from getting squashed in by the immense water pressure at great depths.
[edit] External links
- The anatomy of Askeptosaurus italicus from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio and the interrelationships of thalattosaurs (Reptilia, Diapsida) [1]
 |
This article about a prehistoric reptile is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
