Affinity with the Hupehsuchia Ichthyosaur
hupehsuchus
since 1959, second enigmatic group of ancient sea reptiles known, hupehsuchia. ichthyopterygia, hupehsuchia have pointed snout , show polydactyly, possession of more 5 fingers or toes. limbs more resemble of land animals, making them appear transitional form between these , ichthyosaurs. initially, possibility largely neglected because hupehsuchia have fundamentally different form of propulsion, extremely stiffened trunk. similarities explained case of convergent evolution. furthermore, descent of hupehsuchia no less obscure, meaning possible close relationship hardly clarify general evolutionary position of ichthyosaurs.
in 2014, cartorhynchus announced, small species short snout, large flippers, , stiff trunk. lifestyle might have been amphibious. motani found more basal ichthyopterygia , named encompassing clade ichthyosauriformes. latter group combined hupesuchia ichthyosauromorpha. ichthyosauromorphs found diapsids.
the proposed relationships shown cladogram:
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