A 183-million-year-old plesiosaur skeleton from southern Germany has provided unique insights into the ancient marine reptile’s appearance and biology. The fossil, found in the Early Jurassic Posidonia Shale formation, boasts well-preserved skin traces around the tail and front flipper.
Plesiosaurs were iconic Mesozoic creatures that dominated the world’s oceans 235-66 million years ago. Characterized by their broad bodies, short tails, long necks, and four propulsive flippers, they were apex predators in their time.
However, fossilized soft tissues are extremely rare, with only a handful of discoveries worldwide. Researchers have now found an exceptional example in southern Germany, shedding light on the plesiosaur’s skin and internal organs.
Lead researcher Miguel Marx and his team used advanced techniques to identify smooth skin around the tail and scaly flippers. Their analysis revealed an unusual combination of both textures, which they believe may be related to different functions.
The team believes that the plesiosaur needed smooth skin for efficient swimming and catching fish, while its scaly flippers would have helped it navigate rough seafloors. The study’s findings are significant, as they provide valuable insights into the biology of long-extinct animals like plesiosaurs.
For Marx, the discovery was a groundbreaking moment. “It was almost like looking at modern skin,” he said, describing seeing preserved skin cells that dated back 183 million years.
Source: https://www.sci.news/paleontology/plesiosaur-skin-scales-13648.html