Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Newly Discovered Plesionectes Longicollum Sheds Light on Jurassic Life

8/5/2025

49 10

Summary

Story summary

Paleontologists have unveiled a remarkable new species, Plesionectes longicollum, from a nearly intact skeleton discovered in Germany's Posidonia Shale, dating back 183 million years. Initially excavated in 1978, its distinctive traits were only recently acknowledged, shedding light on marine ecosystems during the turbulent Early Jurassic period. This finding deepens our appreciation of ancient life amidst environmental upheaval.

1 of 1

Story summary

Paleontologists have unveiled a remarkable new species, Plesionectes longicollum, from a nearly intact skeleton discovered in Germany's Posidonia Shale, dating back 183 million years. Initially excavated in 1978, its distinctive traits were only recently acknowledged, shedding light on marine ecosystems during the turbulent Early Jurassic period. This finding deepens our appreciation of ancient life amidst environmental upheaval.