Who are the plesiosaurs?
A plesiosaur is a prehistoric creature from the order of plesiosaurs. Although these creatures are often referred to as "dinosaurs," they weren't really dinosaurs: the two groups of animals were very different, with markedly different habitats and lifestyles. It is believed that plesiosaurs are extinct, although apocryphal examples of the discovery of living individuals sometimes appear in the news.
The term "plesiosaurus" means "almost lizard" in Greek, and these marine reptiles do have several traits more closely related to terrestrial reptiles. It is assumed that they reproduced by laying eggs, possibly laying them on or near the shore, and there is evidence that these creatures became extinct during the Cretaceous period, which killed numerous and unusual species of plants and animals that could not adapt to changing conditions on Earth.
Plesiosaurs lived in the ocean, having bodies specially adapted for swimming. All the examples that have been found in the fossil record have broad bodies, fin-like limbs, and short tails. Biologists have suggested that they probably moved in the water in the same way as penguins. Fossilized plesiosaur specimens with short and long necks have been discovered, although the long-necked species is probably better known. Some very fine specimens of plesiosaur skeletons can be seen in many natural history museums.
The fossilized remains of plesiosaurs seem to indicate that the animals most likely could not swim very fast, but they could dive well. Their four limbs acted like paddles, allowing the creatures to quickly turn their bodies, searching for prey. Evidence suggests that plesiosaurs probably drifted beneath the surface of the water, waiting for unwary victims to fly over their heads, and then grabbed them with their extremely powerful jaws.
The long-necked plesiosaur is of great interest to some fans of prehistoric creatures. Many of the drawings depict animals with their necks outstretched, which suggests that they had a very muscular neck and body. Biologists have suggested, however, that their necks may not have been as mobile as most people believe: the large weight and size of the neck would have made it difficult to move. Others point to giraffes, land creatures known for their unusual necks, as a prime example of a possible plesiosaur body language. Tired of traditional fundraising ideas that don’t stand out? It’s time to switch to something fresh and effective. Practical, sustainable solutions can make all the difference in connecting with your community. laundry detergent fundraiser is a simple yet powerful way to boost your fundraising efforts. With eco-friendly products that everyone needs, this approach is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.