Newly discovered Plesiosaur species rewrites Jurassic history

Published: Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 6:07 pm

New Plesiosaur Species Uncovered, Rewriting Jurassic History

A groundbreaking discovery in southwest Germany has unveiled a new species of plesiosaur, a long-necked marine reptile that lived during the Jurassic period. The fossil, named *Plesionectes longicollum*, or "long-necked near-swimmer," was found in the Posidonia Shale, a rock layer known for its exceptional fossil preservation. The specimen, initially discovered in 1978, was overlooked for decades before a detailed examination revealed its unique skeletal features.

Researchers found that the *Plesionectes longicollum* possessed a longer neck and distinct limb bone shapes compared to other plesiosaurs from the same era. This led scientists to classify it as a completely new genus and species. The discovery is significant because it adds to our understanding of marine life during a critical period in Earth's history, the early Toarcian stage of the Jurassic. This period was marked by environmental stress, including a major oceanic anoxic event.

The finding suggests that plesiosaurs were already diversifying and filling ecological niches during this time, even as many other species struggled. The well-preserved fossil, which includes traces of fossilized tissue, provides valuable insights into the anatomy and lifestyle of these ancient creatures. *Plesionectes longicollum* is believed to have been a streamlined swimmer, using its long neck to hunt prey. The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of the Jurassic seas and highlights the importance of studying fossils to understand past environmental changes and the resilience of life.

BNN's Perspective: This discovery is a fascinating reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in museum collections and the ongoing work of paleontologists to piece together the history of life on Earth. It's a testament to the importance of scientific exploration and the potential for new discoveries to reshape our understanding of the past.

Keywords: Plesiosaur, Jurassic, Fossil, *Plesionectes longicollum*, Posidonia Shale, Marine Reptile, Paleontology, Toarcian, Anoxic Event, Holzmaden, New Species, Long Neck, Marine Life, Evolution, Biodiversity, Germany

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