Friday, 19 Sep 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • House
  • VIDEO
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > ‘Very odd’ 40-foot-long marine reptile stalked prehistoric Canada
Tech and Science

‘Very odd’ 40-foot-long marine reptile stalked prehistoric Canada

Last updated: May 25, 2025 5:58 am
Share
‘Very odd’ 40-foot-long marine reptile stalked prehistoric Canada
SHARE

The discovery of a new species of elasmosaur in North America has added to the continent’s impressive roster of dinosaur species. Named Traskasaura sandrae, this unique genus of elasmosaur was recently described in a study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. Measuring nearly 40 feet long, this marine reptile had heavy, sharp teeth suited for crushing prey and a mix of primitive and evolved traits unlike any other elasmosaur.

With 36 well-preserved cervical vertebrae and 50 neck bones, Traskasaura had an exceptionally long neck. While its behavior remains largely unknown, the unique features of its bones suggest it was a strong downward swimmer, possibly hunting prey from above. Its robust teeth could have been used to crush the shells of ammonites, a common prey in the region.

The fossils of Traskasaura were first discovered in 1988 along the Puntledge River on Vancouver Island. Additional fossils, including an isolated right humerus and a juvenile skeleton, have been recovered since then. These fossils were officially designated as the provincial fossil emblem of British Columbia following a province-wide public poll in 2018.

According to paleontologist F. Robin O’Keefe, the strange mixture of characteristics in Traskasaura led to confusion in identifying the species. A new, excellently preserved partial skeleton allowed researchers to further understand the morphology of the Puntledge River elasmosaur, leading to the naming of this new genus and species.

With the discovery of Traskasaura sandrae, the Pacific Northwest now has its own Mesozoic reptile to call its own, adding to the rich paleontological history of North America.

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its rich marine life today, but did you know that this region was once home to strange and wonderful marine reptiles in the Age of Dinosaurs? During this ancient time, creatures like plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and mosasaurs roamed the waters of what is now known as Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.

See also  First ever 'black hole bomb' created in the lab

Plesiosaurs were long-necked marine reptiles with four flippers that allowed them to gracefully navigate the oceans. These creatures ranged in size from small, agile species to massive predators like the Elasmosaurus, which could grow up to 46 feet in length. Their streamlined bodies and powerful jaws made them formidable hunters in the prehistoric seas.

Ichthyosaurs, on the other hand, were dolphin-like reptiles with sleek bodies and large eyes adapted for hunting in low light conditions. These marine reptiles were incredibly diverse, with species ranging from small, fish-eating forms to giant apex predators like the Shastasaurus, which could reach lengths of over 60 feet. Ichthyosaurs were some of the fastest swimmers of their time, relying on their speed and agility to catch prey.

Mosasaurs were another group of marine reptiles that thrived in the Pacific Northwest during the Age of Dinosaurs. These creatures were more closely related to modern-day lizards and snakes than to dinosaurs, but they ruled the seas with their powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth. Mosasaurs like the Tylosaurus were top predators, preying on fish, squid, and even other marine reptiles.

The fossil record in the Pacific Northwest provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era. Scientists have unearthed numerous specimens of plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and mosasaurs, shedding light on their anatomy, behavior, and ecological roles. These discoveries have helped researchers piece together the complex puzzle of life in the ancient oceans.

Today, the legacy of these marine reptiles lives on in the form of fossils, museum exhibits, and scientific research. Visitors to the Pacific Northwest can explore the region’s prehistoric past by visiting museums, fossil sites, and paleontological digs. By learning about the strange and wonderful marine reptiles that once inhabited these waters, we can gain a greater appreciation for the rich natural history of this unique and diverse region.

See also  Full entry list for US Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville Speedway
TAGGED:40footlongCanadaMarineoddprehistoricreptilestalked
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Sheikh Hasina’s Big “Militant” Charge Against Mohammed Yunus Sheikh Hasina’s Big “Militant” Charge Against Mohammed Yunus
Next Article What Does a Wedding Planner Do? What Does a Wedding Planner Do?
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Meta reportedly in talks to invest billions of dollars in Scale AI

Meta in Talks for Multi-Billion Dollar Investment in Scale AI Meta, formerly known as Facebook,…

June 8, 2025

Best of Earth911 Podcast: Caelux CEO Scott Graybeal on the U.S. Perovskite Solar Panel Supply Chain

Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux, is making waves in the green technology industry with his…

April 16, 2025

L’Oreal Co. (LRLCY) Stock Forecasts

Meet John D. Staszak, CFA - Securities Analyst John D. Staszak, CFA Securities Analyst: Consumer…

April 21, 2025

Veterans And Caregivers Heal Through Agriculture

Emily Emmons, along with her husband John, has dedicated her life to supporting Veterans, first…

June 16, 2025

CNN’s Alisyn Camerota Addresses Shocking Departure From Network

Former CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota recently bid farewell to the network in an emotional on-air…

December 9, 2024

You Might Also Like

I Was Wrong About The iPhone Air – 5 Reasons You Should Buy It
Tech and Science

I Was Wrong About The iPhone Air – 5 Reasons You Should Buy It

September 19, 2025
A handheld ‘bone printer’ shows promise in animal tests
Tech and Science

A handheld ‘bone printer’ shows promise in animal tests

September 19, 2025
Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro Review: Sleek, Sporty, Stamina
Tech and Science

Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro Review: Sleek, Sporty, Stamina

September 19, 2025
The World’s Largest Neutrino Detector Switches on Deep Underground : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

The World’s Largest Neutrino Detector Switches on Deep Underground : ScienceAlert

September 19, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?