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New Marine Reptile Species Revealed After 45 Years

8/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Paleontologists have unveiled a remarkable new species, Plesionectes longicollum, from a 1978 skeleton in Holzmaden, Germany. This Early Jurassic marine reptile, with its elongated neck and distinctive traits, showcases rapid evolution during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of plesiosaur evolution but also underscores the importance of preserving museum collections.

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Story summary

Paleontologists have unveiled a remarkable new species, Plesionectes longicollum, from a 1978 skeleton in Holzmaden, Germany. This Early Jurassic marine reptile, with its elongated neck and distinctive traits, showcases rapid evolution during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of plesiosaur evolution but also underscores the importance of preserving museum collections.