Researchers have examined the soft tissue of a fossilized plesiosaur for the very first time, revealing that this ancient marine reptile had both smooth and scaly skin. This unique combination likely enabled it to swim swiftly as well as traverse uneven seabeds.
Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have examined the soft tissue of a fossilized plesiosaur for the very first time. The findings indicate that this long-necked marine reptile possessed both smooth and scaly skin. This adaptation was probably beneficial for rapid swimming and moving across rough ocean floors.
Plesiosaurs thrived in the oceans during a significant part of the Mesozoic Era (203-66 million years ago). These reptiles could reach lengths of up to 12 meters and primarily fed on fish, moving through the water similarly to sea turtles using four paddle-like limbs. Until now, minimal information was available about the external structure of plesiosaurs. However, a new study published in the scientific journal Current Biology features a research team from Lund University that has successfully analyzed soft tissue from a plesiosaur that is 183 million years old, discovered near Holzmaden, Germany.
“Finding fossilized soft tissue, such as skin and internal organs, is remarkably rare. We employed a variety of techniques to identify smooth skin in the tail area as well as scales on the back edges of the flippers. This gave us unparalleled insights into the appearance and biology of these long-extinct creatures,” states Miguel Marx, a PhD student in geology at Lund University and the lead author of the study.
The study results show an interesting mix of smooth and scaly skin in different areas of the body. The researchers suggest this diversity might relate to various functions. The plesiosaur needed to swim effectively to catch fish and squid-like creatures, which was facilitated by its smooth and hydrodynamic skin. At the same time, it had to navigate rough ocean floors, which scaly flippers likely helped it achieve.
“Our discoveries enable us to create more accurate reconstructions of plesiosaur life, a process that has been challenging since their first scientific examination over two centuries ago. Moreover, the well-preserved fossil from Germany underscores the potential of soft tissue to offer valuable insights into the biology of these long-lost animals,” explains Miguel Marx.
By reconstructing what ancient animals looked like, researchers can deepen our understanding of macroevolution and the adaptations necessary to thrive in specific habitats. This exploration of the past also enhances our comprehension of Earth’s history and our future trajectory.
“Besides the impressive mix of smooth skin and scales, it was astounding to visualize the cells in thin sections of the fossilized plesiosaur’s skin. I was astonished to see skin cells that had been preserved for 183 million years. It felt almost like observing modern skin,” shares Miguel Marx.
YouTube Video: Soft tissue from a 183 Million-Year-Old Jurassic Plesiosaur analyzed
The study also involved collaborations from several institutions and organizations: Uppsala University, RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, and Urwelt-Museum Hauff.
