Unveiling the First Preserved Lariosaurus: Explore the Fascinating Find of a ‘Virtually Complete’ Sea Monster

Understanding ancient creatures like Lariosaurus valceresii is a real challenge, especially since we mostly find their bones. But sometimes, we hit the jackpot. A recent discovery features a nearly complete specimen, around 240 million years old, found in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgio. The well-preserved skin shows us what this creature looked like in a way bones alone cannot.

What’s fascinating is that this is the first time we have soft tissue from Lariosaurus. The skin reveals it had webbed hands and feet, helping it swim. Researchers also found strong forelimb muscles, suggesting it used its front limbs to help propel itself in water. This “rowing-flying” motion is similar to how modern seals swim.

This discovery offers new insights. Traditionally, scientists thought that the tail was the main propeller for swimming in these reptiles. However, historical studies hinted that strong forelimbs could also play a significant role. The latest findings support this notion, indicating that Lariosaurus might have relied on its limbs more than previously believed.

The research is published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology, making it an important addition to our understanding of marine reptiles. In comparing Lariosaurus with other prehistoric swimmers like Ceresiosaurus, we see diversity in swimming techniques that have existed for millions of years.

This blend of new data and historical context enriches our understanding of how these ancient animals adapted to their environments. It shows that 240 million years ago, varied swimming strategies were already in play—demonstrating that evolution has always encouraged experimentation, even in the depths of the ocean.

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