pliosaurs
Ancient ocean hunters
Pliosaurs were large marine reptiles of the Mesozoic era, characterized by massive heads, powerful jaws, and short necks—distinguishing them from their longer-necked relatives, the plesiosaurs.
Some species reached over 40 feet in length and were apex predators of ancient seas.
The pliosaur fossil showed teeth marks from an even larger predator.
Preserved ancient organism traces
- MesozoicAge of Reptiles
- CretaceousFinal Mesozoic period
- JurassicDinosaur-dominated geological period
- TriassicFirst Mesozoic period
extinction · paleobiology · stratigraphy · sedimentary · amber · excavation · specimen · skeleton
Massive saltwater body
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
- carnivorousFeeding on animal flesh
- flippersFoot-worn swim aids
- aquaticWater-inhabiting
deep-sea · hydrodynamic · swimming · diving · prey · hunting · apex · jaws
Extinct marine reptile
- ichthyosaurMesozoic ocean-dwelling reptile
- mosasaurExtinct marine reptile
- archosaurRuling reptile clade member
- pterosaurExtinct flying reptile
vertebrate · cold-blooded · scales · limbs · evolution
fossils
Preserved ancient organism traces
- MesozoicAge of Reptiles
- CretaceousFinal Mesozoic period
- JurassicDinosaur-dominated geological period
Triassic · extinction · paleobiology · stratigraphy · sedimentary · amber · excavation · specimen · skeleton · skull
ocean
Massive saltwater body
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
- carnivorousFeeding on animal flesh
- flippersFoot-worn swim aids
aquatic · deep-sea · hydrodynamic · swimming · diving · prey · hunting · apex · jaws · streamlined
plesiosaur
Extinct marine reptile
- ichthyosaurMesozoic ocean-dwelling reptile
- mosasaurExtinct marine reptile
- archosaurRuling reptile clade member
pterosaur · vertebrate · cold-blooded · scales · limbs · evolution