Primarily, Montani presents information explaining that the ichthyosaurs evolved from not fish, but land-dwelling animals. Their adaptation for water made them quite successful, and able to rule the sea from 245 million to about 90 million years ago - approximately the entire time dinosaurs existed on earth. Widely spread out fossils around the world indicate that they migrated extensively, and despite their aquatic appearance, they were most definitely air-breathing reptiles. Montani states that they did not have gills, and their jaw had all the features and traits of that of a repti

In my personal opinion, the author provides a well written article that very clearly explains to his audience the history of the ichthyosaurs. By using personal experience, Montani is able to better relay to the reader his thoughts. Also, I particularly liked how he used everyday analogies, such as comparing the ichthyosaurs' eye to the lens of a camera. Overall, Ryosuke Montani provides a very clear and interesting study on the ichthyosaurs. By providing facts coupled with personal experience, Montani skillfully and in uncomplicated terms tells the reader exactly what he knows. Though he can only speculate on it's extinction - such as a loss of habitat - he still provides much light upon a very shadowed and mysterious creature.

Furthermore, Montani goes through, in great detail, the process of evolution for the ichthyosaur. He states that the most blatant transformation is the one from feet to flippers. The author compares the ichthyosaur's bones, which are wider than they are long, to those of most reptiles, which are long and slender. He further points out that they were similar in shape and most importantly, close together, to form a solid panel. This panel provided stronger rigidity to enable the ichthyosaur to swim more efficiently. He adds that this process was not a simple one. The final transition to flippers involved having digits added, lost, and divided over time. Montani also explains to his reader the importance in the evolution in to backbone of the ichthyosaur, as it greatly affects his swimming style. The original ichthyosaur h

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Approximate Word count = 1057
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)