Plesiosaur - Fossil skeleton - 540 cm - 180 cm

Authentic plesiosaur skeleton (540 cm Complete plesiosaur skeleton, measuring about 5.4 meters in length, a true paleontological treasure. This specimen, dating from the Mesozoic era, is a rare and precious piece. Elasmosaurus platyurus is one of the most iconic plesiosaurs, known for its extremely long neck. Here are its main characteristics: 1. Morphology • Exceptionally long neck: Composed of 71 cervical vertebrae, a record among marine vertebrates. Its neck could reach up to 7 meters, representing more than half of its total length. • Total size: able to reach about 14 meters, with an estimated weight of 2 tons. • Slender body: A hydrodynamic body with paddle-shaped flippers adapted for swimming. • Small and light skull: Despite its long neck, the skull was relatively small, with jaws lined with sharp teeth. 2. Lifestyle • Diet: Mainly carnivorous, feeding on fish, cephalopods, and other marine animals. Its long neck allowed it to approach its prey discreetly. • Locomotion: Its flippers functioned like oars or wings, allowing it to move gracefully and swiftly in the water. 3. Habitat • It lived in shallow seas of the Late Cretaceous, about 80 million years ago. Fossils have been discovered in North America, notably in Kansas. 4. Unique features • Contrary to a once-common belief, Elasmosaurus was unlikely to use its long neck as a whip or to stretch out of the water. It probably kept it relatively rigid to maintain hydrodynamics. • One of the first Elasmosaurus fossils found was misreconstructed, with the head placed at the end of the tail instead of at the neck—a mistake corrected later. 5. Fossils The type specimen of Elasmosaurus platyurus was discovered in 1868 by paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, who was also involved in the famous “Bone Wars” with Othniel Charles Marsh. Key features of this specimen: • Size: 5.40 meters. • Condition: Excellent, perfectly preserved and mounted. This skeleton represents a unique opportunity for paleontology enthusiasts or investors looking to acquire an exceptional piece. Treat yourself to a piece of history and dive into the fascinating depths of the Jurassic!

Estimate:£20,939.74

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