Mesozoic marine reptiles

Mesozoic marine reptiles were a diverse group of large, aquatic reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era (about 252 to 66 million years ago). They included upright-swimming groups like ichthyosaurs and nothosaurs, as well as the massive, marine-adapted plesiosaurs and pliosaurs with long necks and powerful flippers. These reptiles were excellent swimmers, occupying various roles in ocean ecosystems, from fish-eaters to predators of marine reptiles. Though unrelated to today's marine animals like whales or sharks, they were among the dominant marine vertebrates during their time, showcasing the rich diversity of prehistoric ocean life.