4" Fossil Plesiosaurus Bones in Cross-Section - England

This cut and polished specimen contains partially pyritized Plesiosaurus bones that were collected from Port Mulgrave in North Whitby, England. The internal cell structure of the bones is clearly visible. The fossils of several types of marine reptiles including ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs are commonly found in this formation.

It comes with an acrylic display stand.

About Plesiosaurs

Plesiosaurs were a diverse group of marine reptiles that lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, thriving in Earth’s oceans for more than 135 million years. Although they lived alongside dinosaurs, plesiosaurs were not dinosaurs; instead, they were fully aquatic reptiles adapted for life in open water. Their most recognizable features included broad, streamlined bodies, four powerful flippers used for underwater “flight,” and a wide range of neck lengths. Fossils of plesiosaurs have been found on every continent, including Antarctica, showing that they inhabited oceans across the globe.

Plesiosaur - Paleo-art image


This group included two main body types that filled very different ecological roles. Long-necked plesiosaurs had small heads and slender teeth suited for catching fish and squid, likely relying on stealth and precise strikes. Short-necked plesiosaurs, known as pliosaurs, evolved massive skulls and powerful jaws and became apex predators capable of hunting large prey, including other marine reptiles. Together, these forms made plesiosaurs one of the most successful and adaptable marine reptile groups in Earth’s history, dominating prehistoric seas until their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Plesiosaurus sp.
LOCATION
Port Mulgrave, North Whitby, England
FORMATION
Upper Lias
SIZE
Rock 4 x 2.6"
ITEM
#171167
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.