Placodontiformes

Placodontiformes is an extinct order of marine reptiles that lived during the Triassic period. They are characterized by their unique dentition, with large, flat crushing teeth adapted for feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates.

Anatomy and Morphology

Placodontiformes were typically small to medium-sized, with a length ranging from 1 to 2 meters. They had a robust body structure, with a short neck and tail. The skull was large and broad, with a short snout. The most distinctive feature of Placodontiformes was their dentition. They had large, flat, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks and crustaceans.

Taxonomy and Evolution

The order Placodontiformes is divided into two main families: Placodontidae and Cyamodontidae. Placodontidae includes the more primitive forms, while Cyamodontidae includes the more derived forms with a turtle-like body plan. The evolution of Placodontiformes is characterized by an increasing adaptation to a marine lifestyle and a specialization for durophagy (feeding on hard-shelled prey).

Paleobiology and Paleoecology

Placodontiformes were marine reptiles, living in shallow coastal waters. They were bottom-dwellers, feeding on the seafloor. Their diet consisted mainly of hard-shelled invertebrates, which they crushed with their specialized teeth.

Fossil Record

Fossils of Placodontiformes have been found in Europe and China, indicating that they had a wide geographical distribution during the Triassic period. The first fossils were discovered in the early 19th century, and since then, numerous species have been described.

See Also

• Marine Reptiles
• Triassic Period
• Durophagy