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Dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals:
Elasmosaurus (Thin Plate Lizard)

 

Last updated: 15th Apr 2024

 

What is an Elasmosaurus?

 

Elasmosaurs were marine reptiles that lived in the water, but they were not dinosaurs. The name "Elasmosaurus" means "thin plate lizard." These creatures were part of the larger group of reptiles known as plesiosaurs, and were distant relatives of lizards and snakes.

 

 

When and where Elasmosaurs lived

 

Elasmosaurs existed during the Late Cretaceous period, which began about 100 million years ago and ended around 66 million years ago. Fossils of Elasmosaurs have been discovered in various parts of the world, including North America and Antarctica.

 

 

How big was Elasmosaurus?

 

Length: Elasmosaurs were among the largest of the plesiosaurs, with lengths reaching up to 10 metres (34 feet). They had long, slender bodies and very long necks.

 

 

Appearance

 

Elasmosaurs had a distinctive appearance with extremely long necks, which could be up to half the total body length, and a small head at the end. They had four flippers and a short tail. Their nostrils were located far back on the head near the eyes, allowing them to breathe while most of their head was submerged.

 

Elasmosaurus

 

Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

 

 

What did Elasmosaurus eat?

 

Elasmosaurs were carnivores, meaning they ate meat. They likely fed by swimming through schools of fish, using their long, sharp teeth to capture their prey. Their flexible necks allowed them to swing their heads from side to side to catch fish and other sea creatures.

 

 

Where did Elasmosaurs live?

 

Elasmosaurs lived in marine environments. Fossils have been found in various locations, indicating that they inhabited oceans and seas. They were well-adapted to life in the water, using their flippers to "fly" through the water much like sea lions do today.

 

 

Interesting Facts

 

• Elasmosaurs are known for their extremely long necks and small heads.
• They were not dinosaurs but coexisted with many dinosaurs.
• Elasmosaurs might have given birth to live young in the water, similar to modern marine mammals.
• They had a wide distribution, with fossils found on multiple continents.
• Elasmosaurs moved by flapping their flippers in a manner similar to underwater "flight."

 

Elasmosaurus Facts   Pronounced: ee-lazmo-SAW-rus Name Means: "Thin Plate Lizard" Length: 10 metres (34 feet) Diet: Carnivore (Fish, Squid) Time: Late Cretaceous period Habitat: Open Seas Fossils Found: North America, Australia

 

Which family of reptiles did Elasmosaurus belong to?

 

Elasmosaurs belonged to the plesiosaurs, a group of marine reptiles. Early in their evolutionary history, plesiosaurs split into two main lineages: the pliosaurs, with short necks and elongated heads, and the plesiosauroids, with long, flexible necks.

How did Elasmosaurs move?

Elasmosaurs were adept swimmers. They moved through the water by flapping their flippers, using a style of underwater "flight." Their long, slender bodies and short tails helped them steer and navigate through their marine environment.

What were the unique features of Elasmosaurus?

Elasmosaurs had several unique features that set them apart from other marine reptiles:

• Streamlined body: Their long, slender bodies were well-adapted for swimming.
• Extremely long neck: The long neck helped them capture prey by swinging their heads through schools of fish.
• Small head: Their heads were relatively small compared to their bodies, with nostrils positioned near the eyes.
• Four flippers: The four flippers allowed them to move efficiently through the water.
• Sharp teeth: Their long, sharp teeth were perfect for catching fish and other sea creatures.

 

 

Elasmosaurus FAQ

 

Q1: What is an Elasmosaurus?

A1: Elasmosaurus is a genus of plesiosaurs, which were marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 80 to 77 million years ago.

Q2: How big was Elasmosaurus?

A2: Elasmosaurus could grow up to 10.3 metres (34 feet) in length, with its neck alone measuring about 7.1 metres (23 feet).

Q3: What did Elasmosaurus eat?

A3: Elasmosaurus was a carnivore, feeding on small fish and marine invertebrates. It used its long teeth to catch prey.

Q4: Where have Elasmosaurus fossils been found?

A4: Fossils of Elasmosaurus have been discovered in North America, particularly in Kansas, USA.

Q5: Did Elasmosaurus have any special features?

A5: Yes, Elasmosaurus had an extremely long neck with up to 72 vertebrae, a streamlined body, paddle-like limbs, and a small head.

Q6: How did Elasmosaurus move?

A6: Elasmosaurus used its flippers to swim through the water. Despite its long neck, it was not very flexible and could not hold its neck high above the water.

Q7: What is the significance of Elasmosaurus in paleontology?

A7: Elasmosaurus is significant because it was one of the first recognised members of the Elasmosauridae family, providing insights into the evolution and adaptation of long-necked marine reptiles.

Q8: Did Elasmosaurus have any predators?

A8: As a large marine reptile, Elasmosaurus likely had few natural predators, but it may have faced competition from other large marine creatures.

Q9: How do scientists study Elasmosaurus fossils?

A9: Scientists use various techniques to study Elasmosaurus fossils, including CT scans to examine bone structure and computer modeling to understand its swimming mechanics.

Q10: What have recent studies revealed about Elasmosaurus?

A10: Recent studies have provided insights into the feeding habits of Elasmosaurus, suggesting it used gastroliths (stomach stones) to help digest its food.

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