Anatomy

The body of a Plesiosaur was broad and relatively compact, with closely set, strong ribs and well developed gastralia protecting the belly. The limbs were also very large and modified into well developed paddles or flippers which were the main means of propulsion. Evidence has shown that the flippers on the Plesiosaur were probably used like wings on a bird instead of paddles on a rowboat. The Plesiosaur, in effect, flew through the water (Everhart, 1998).
        Holotype of Plesiosaurs dolichodeirus, left hind limb. Copyright Ancient Marine Reptiles (Callway and Nicholls, 1997).
Long necked Plesiosaur Above illustration Copyright http://www.alphalink.com.au/~dannj/marine.htm



Table of Contents

What is a Plesiosaur

Types of Plesiosaurs

Environment

Anatomy

Evolution

Extinction

Fossils