Prior to this, almost all fossil reptile specimens, when recognized as having come from once-living animals, were interpreted as forms similar to those of the modern day: crocodiles, fish, whales, or large land mammals.
Anteriormente, case todos os especímenes de réptiles fósiles, tras recoñecerse que viñera dunha criatura viva, eran interpretados como formas similares ás da actualidade: crocodilos, peces, baleas, ou grandes mamíferos terrestres.