Environment/Habitat

Plesiosaurs were marine reptiles, hence they dwelled in the sea. Certain species of Plesiosaur for example lived close to the shore, where they could catch prey. One theory is that some Plesiosaurs came to shore to lay eggs, however their movement on land would have been very limited and clumsy, similar to present day seals. Unfortunately there is no direct evidence supporting this theory. It is also believed that Plesiosaurs may have given birth to live young in the water, similar to present day whales.
          Above is what is thought to be have been a typical Mesozoic setting. Copyright Ancient Marine Reptiles (Callaway and Nicholls, 1997).



Table of Contents

What is a Plesiosaur

Types of Plesiosaurs

Environment

Anatomy

Evolution

Extinction

Fossils