Macroplata
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 Macroplata tenuiceps from the Early Jurassic of Europe
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Extinct (fossil)
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| Macroplata tenuiceps Swinton, 1930 |
Macroplata (mack-roh-PLAH-tah) was an early Jurassic plesiosaur, which grew up to 5 meters (15 ft) in length. Like other pliosaurs, Macroplata probably lived on a diet of small fish, using its sharp needle-like teeth to catch prey. Its shoulder bones were fairly large, indicating a powerful forward stroke for fast swimming. Macroplata also had a relatively long neck, twice the length of the skull, in contrast to more advanced pliosaurs (which are well known as the "short-necked" plesiosaurs).
Two species are currently included in this genus: Macroplata tenuiceps, the type species, which lived during the Hettangian age (earliest Jurassic), and Macroplata longirostris, which lived somewhat later, during the Toarcian. However it is thought that M. longirostris may be a distinct form which should be placed in a separate genus.
[edit] External links
- Macroplata - the Plesiosaur Directory
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