Elasmosaurus, (E. platyurus, `Metal Plate Lizard´) is a genus of marine reptile that lived about 80 million years ago, during the Maastrichtian of the Late Cretaceous period, in what is now North America. This animal belongs to the plesiosaur family, a group of marine reptiles characterized by long, slender bodies, long, flexible necks, four flippers, and a relatively small head relative to body size.
The Elasmosaurus measured around 12 meters in length, of which more than half corresponded to its neck. This neck was extremely long, made up of 72 vertebrae (more than any known animal), and it is estimated that it allowed it to reach its prey at a distance of up to 3 meters. In addition to its neck, the Elasmosaurus was characterized by having an elongated and thin body, with front and rear fins that allowed it to move very quickly in the water.
Despite its large size, Elasmosaurus was a relatively small predator compared to other marine animals of its time, such as mosasaurs or giant sharks. It fed mainly on fish and other plesiosaurs, which it hunted with its sharp teeth. Elasmosaurus is believed to have lived in shallow seas, close to the coast, where it could find abundant food.
The Elasmosaurus is one of the best known plesiosaurs and studied by paleontologists. Numerous fossils of this animal have been found in North America, especially in the western United States and Canada. These fossils have allowed scientists to study in detail the anatomy and behavior of this marine reptile, and have revealed important data on the evolution of marine animals during the Cretaceous.
The Model Pose represents an Elasmosaurus specimen swimming in search of prey on the coral seabed.
Approximate measurements of the Elasmosaurus:
Scale 1:72 - 167 x 58 x 59 mm H
Scale 1:35 - 349 x 120 x 122 mm H
