For millions of years, the ancient seas were ruled by giant sea reptiles, known as plesiosaurs, which reached lengths of up to 50 feet and had long necks and large flippers. While much is known about their anatomy and habits, the details of how these prehistoric animals moved through the water have remained a mystery.
However, a new study published in the journal Current Biology sheds light on this topic. Researchers from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom analyzed fossil paddle prints that were found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. These prints are the largest and most complete plesiosaur paddle prints ever discovered and provide a rare glimpse into the way these predators navigated the oceans.
The researchers used photogrammetry to create 3D models of the paddle prints and combined this data with swimming simulations to understand the swimming mechanics of plesiosaurs. Their findings suggest that these sea reptiles propelled themselves forward by alternating the paddling motion of their front and back flippers. Each flip of their flippers produced a distinctive paddle print, with a "W" shape left by the front flippers and a more oval shape left by the back flippers.
This study reveals how plesiosaurs efficiently generated thrust through the water and provides valuable insights into their locomotory capabilities. Plesiosaurs' method of propelling themselves forward is remarkably similar to how turtles and sea lions swim, demonstrating the shared evolutionary history of marine vertebrates. By combining fossil evidence with modern technology, researchers have taken a significant step in better understanding the swimming ability of these ancient sea monsters.
