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Prehistoric Marine Reptiles
Prehistoric marine reptiles inhabited the seas and the oceans during the age of the dinosaurs. These large creatures dominated the open waters during prehistoric times.
During the Triassic period, about 230 million years ago, the sea was filled with predatory animals. Among these, the Nothosaur about 10 feet in length, is relatively small compared to its predatory counterparts during that period. This could be the reason why the Nothosaurs were vulnerable to other predatory creatures. Occasionally the Nothosaur goes back to land to lay eggs. The hatchlings after being hatched would find a way to go back to see to avoid land predators.
About 225 million years ago there was a prehistoric marine reptile that existed which had a peculiar apperance. It looked more of like a cross between a turtle and a manta ray. This animal was called Henodus. The Henodus also existed during the Triassic period and it dwelt somewhere on the coast of what is now the country of Germany. This reptile was considered to be a Placodont, a group of ancient marine reptiles which used their flat teeth to crush food. Their main diet was shellfish.
In the seas of the prehistoric North America there once roamed a reptile called Ichthyosaur. This prehistoric reptile looked like a fish but it's classified to be a marine reptile. It lived 220-210 million years ago. These prehistoric marine reptiles cruised in the open seas while giving birth to their young. Fossilized remains have been found in Nevada and it was concluded to be one of the largest marine reptiles that ever existed. Ichthyosaur had smaller descendants such as Temnodontosaurus. Its name meaning "cutting tooth lizard", was the one of the most feared predators during its time. The Temnodontosaurus inhabited a large area of waters in ancient Europe. These monsters have the ability to dive about 2000 feet deep and can stay underwater for 20 minutes before resurfacing.
Dakosaurus lived during the late Jurassic era about 135 million years ago. These prehistoric reptiles were truly monsters, in appearance and in reputation. The Dakosaurus used paddle-like feet to maneuver underwater. It was known to be a vicious predator and it lived in the waters of what is now South America.
Another prehistoric marine reptile “Thalassomedon”, lived about 93 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. It belonged to the Plesiosaur family. Thalassomedon greatly resembled the ever popular Plesiosaur although its neck was a little longer. It reigned over the waters of North America during the Cretaceous period until it became extinct.
Prehistoric Marine Reptiles List