Discovering a New Marine Predator: Biologists Unveil Rare Reptile Species

A fascinating discovery on Vancouver Island has unveiled a new species of marine reptile, named Traskasaura sandrae. This creature, which lived around 85 million years ago, measures a hefty 39 feet. Paleontologists initially found its fossils back in 1988, but it took years to piece together its unique features.

Professor F. Robin O’Keefe from Marshall University led the research, highlighting that Traskasaura sandrae displays a strange mix of ancient and modern traits. The creature’s anatomy suggests a hunting strategy unlike anything seen in its family before.

The initial fossils were found in the Haslam Formation, a shale layer from when shallow seas blanketed what is now British Columbia. Community volunteers worked hard over three summers to unearth a skeleton that included over fifty neck vertebrae. More fossils were later discovered during construction, allowing researchers to assemble remains from three distinct individuals.

Interestingly, Traskasaura sandrae had a neck designed for ambushing prey. Unlike other marine reptiles that grabbed fish by sweeping their necks sideways, this one could flex its neck downwards. This flexibility, combined with strong shoulder muscles, allowed it to dive suddenly, targeting prey from above—similar to how herons hunt.

The fossil record shows that Traskasaura had teeth shaped perfectly for crushing. One tooth held remnants of ancient shells, suggesting it fed on creatures like ammonites, which were abundant in its habitat. During the late Cretaceous, when it thrived, Vancouver Island was near the latitudes of present-day Oregon, surrounded by a rich marine ecosystem filled with mollusks and sharks.

Unlike other fast-swimming predators of its time, Traskasaura was a slow stalker, using short bursts of speed to conserve energy in cooler, nutrient-rich waters.

This species is classified as a plesiosaur but represents an early split from its southern cousins. Its discovery challenges how scientists classify marine reptiles, especially since a long neck alone used to be a key trait for grouping these species.

The bones of Traskasaura sandrae puzzled scientists for years. While some features were reminiscent of ancient types, others appeared more advanced. A better-preserved skeleton eventually helped confirm its unique characteristics.

Today, the best specimens are displayed at the Courtenay and District Museum, allowing visitors to connect with the region’s prehistoric past. School groups can now view vertebrae that are larger than their hands, imagining a time when this impressive reptile roamed the waters alongside orcas.

The name Traskasaura honors Michael and Heather Trask, who made the initial find. The species name, sandrae, pays tribute to Sandra Lee O’Keefe, a local advocate for breast cancer awareness.

This discovery highlights the importance of community involvement in paleontology. It shows how modern technology and careful planning can revive age-old mysteries, sparking new debates about evolution and ecology.

For further reading, you can explore more about this fascinating find in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

Source link