Fossil of a phytosaur

What is it?

Phytosaurs are large, extinct, semi-aquatic reptiles that resemble contemporary crocodiles and are classified under the order Phytosauria.

They flourished in the Late Triassic and perhaps Early Jurassic, displaying traits such as elongated snouts, robust armor, and varied feeding adaptations.

Located in:

Recent suspected fossil: Megha village, Fatehgarh subdivision, district Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Previous discoveries: Akal and Thaiyat (verified dinosaur remains), along with shark and oceanic fossils in the area.

Characteristics:

Fossil specimen: approximately 6–7 feet long, spine formation observable, likely from the Jurassic period.

Morphological variation: long-snouted (fish consumers), short-snouted (land prey), and high-snouted (versatile feeders).

Distribution: Phytosaur remains documented from India, Europe, North America, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand, Madagascar.

Importance:

Boosts Jaisalmer’s status as a significant paleontological site.

Offers perspectives on ancient biodiversity, evolutionary parallels with crocodilians, and the climate-fauna evolution of India's Jurassic deposits.