This incredible fossil of a kansas platecarpus preying on an ammonites is truly a one of a kind fossil. The small colourful ammolite shows clear bite marks on both sides.
AN INTRODUCTION TO PLATECARPUS
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Platecarpus was an extinct marine reptile from the Mosasaur family, living about 85 to 80 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
This sleek, streamlined predator grew up to 20 feet long and was well-adapted for life in the oceans, using its flippers and tail to swim swiftly through ancient seas.
Platecarpus primarily fed on fish and squid, and like other mosasaurs, it had a double-hinged jaw that allowed it to swallow prey whole.
Fossils of Platecarpus have been found in North America, offering valuable insights into marine ecosystems during the age of dinosaurs. -
These Mosasaurids were so successful that remains have been found on almost every continent.
ConsiderIng their smaller size, these predators hunted mostly fish, ammonites and other smaller marine reptiles in shallower waters that were rich in biodiversity and had ample options to hide from larger marine predators that roamed the open waters. -
The name “Platecarpus” means Flat wrist, which they received due to their elongated paddle-like fins.
They possessed almost serpentine slender bodies that were covered in small denticular scales that aided in hydrodynamics. -
Mosasaurs have a long history where they initially started out at the bottom end of the food chain as small aquatic reptiles feeding on little fish and mollusks. These small reptiles eventually grew to be up to 15 meters long eating anything that fit into their mouth!
INTERESTING FACTS
One fascinating fact about Platecarpus is that it had a more eel-like swimming style compared to some of its larger, bulkier mosasaur relatives.
Recent studies of fossilized soft tissue have revealed that Platecarpus had a streamlined body and a crescent-shaped tail fin, similar to modern-day sharks, which made it a highly efficient and agile swimmer. This unique adaptation helped it navigate the shallow, predator-filled waters where it hunted, giving it an advantage in catching fast-moving prey like fish and squid.
Recent studies of fossilized soft tissue have revealed that Platecarpus had a streamlined body and a crescent-shaped tail fin, similar to modern-day sharks, which made it a highly efficient and agile swimmer. This unique adaptation helped it navigate the shallow, predator-filled waters where it hunted, giving it an advantage in catching fast-moving prey like fish and squid.