Latest news with #Traskasaura
5 days ago
- Science
Fossils found in North America reveal new species of 'very odd' sea monster: Scientists
A prehistoric sea monster never-before-known to man was hunting prey in North America 85 million years ago, fossils found decades ago in Canada reveal. The first set of fossils, found in 1988 along the Puntledge River on Vancouver Island, were determined to belong to elasmosaurs, a genus of plesiosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous period, about 80.6 to 77 million years ago, according to the paper, published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. Additional fossils found since include an isolated right humerus and a well-preserved juvenile skeleton comprising of a thorax, girdles and limbs, according to the study. But they have now been formally identified to belong to a "very odd" new genus of sea monster called Traskasaura sandrae, the researchers said. The long-necked creature likely measured about 39 feet and had heavy, sharp teeth that were "ideal for crushing" ammonite shells, according to paleontologists. Dozens of well-preserved cervical vertebrae indicate at least 50 bones in the neck -- likely more, the researchers said. T. sandrae also had a "strange mix" of primitive and derived traits, unlike any other elasmosaur. Its unique adaptations allowed it to hunt prey from above -- the first of the plesiosaur taxa to do so, the paper states. Prey was likely abundant in the region at the time, the scientists said. "It has a very odd mix of primitive and derived traits," O'Keefe said. "The shoulder, in particular, is unlike any other plesiosaur I have ever seen, and I have seen a few." When lead author F. Robin O'Keefe first saw the fossils and realized they belonged to an entirely new taxon, he hypothesized that they may be related to the plesiosaurs from Antarctica, he said in a statement. But it is "a strange, convergently evolved, fascinating beast," O'Keefe said. "The fossil record is full of surprises," O'Keefe said. "It is always gratifying to discover something unexpected." The fossils are among the most famous in the country. In 2002, they were adopted by the Province of British Columbia and declared the official fossil emblem of British Columbia. "Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia," O'Keefe said. "However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it were declared BC's provincial fossil in 2023. Our new research, published today, finally solves this mystery." Paleontologists were reluctant at first to erect a new genus based solely on the adult skeleton of the elasmosaur. But a new 'excellently preserved' partial skeleton enabled this latest international team of scientists from Canada, Chile and the U.S. to eventually identify the new genus and species. The genus name Traskasaura was given in honor of Courtenay, British Columbia, where the researchers who discovered the original specimen in 1988 were based. The species name sandrae honors Sandra Lee O'Keefe, a member of the team of researchers who identified the fossils in 2002. They are currently on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Giant 85 million-year-old mystery sea monster fossil finally identified
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have finally solved the mystery behind the identity of a prehistoric sea monster. The marine reptile, which could grow to around 39 feet (12 meters) long and had heavy teeth for crushing prey, was previously known from several sets of fossils unearthed over the past two decades. One key fossil was a complete but badly-preserved adult skeleton from about 85 million years ago, discovered in 1988 on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It was thought to come from a group of long-necked reptiles known as plesiosaurs. However, until now, scientists weren't sure if it belonged to a new species or a previously discovered one. "The identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery," F. Robin O'Keefe, a professor of anatomy at Marshall University in West Virginia, said in a statement. "Our new research published today finally solves this mystery." In a new study published May 22 in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, O'Keefe and colleagues formally classified all the fossils as Traskasaura sandrae. This species is so different from other marine reptiles that researchers assigned it to a brand new genus, Traskasaura, within a subgroup of plesiosaurs called elasmosaurs. Elasmosaurs, like other plesiosaurs, lived throughout the Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago) alongside the dinosaurs and shared the oceans with other marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and mosasaurs. Plesiosaurs were characterized by having small heads on long necks, broad bodies and four large, paddle-like limbs. The mythical Loch Ness Monster is usually depicted as a plesiosaur. They are thought to have breathed air and probably had to surface regularly, akin to modern-day marine mammals. The first T. sandrae specimen was unearthed in 1988 in the Haslam Formation on Vancouver Island, was formally described by scientists in 2002 and dates back to between 86 and 83 million years ago. Other fossils found in the same region include a right humerus and an "excellently preserved" juvenile skeleton. Related: Half-a-billion-year-old 3-eyed sea creature dubbed 'Mosura' breathed through big gills on its butt Although the adult specimen discovered in 1988 wasn't quite different enough from other elasmosaurs, it wasn't similar enough to any known species either. "Relatively few characters are unambiguous on this skeleton," the researchers wrote in their paper. Newer fossils also had strange traits, but they weren't complete enough to confirm the possibility of a new species. The newest juvenile skeleton specimen, however, helped shed light on these ancient creatures' features, revealing that three had the same key traits. "It has a very odd mix of primitive and derived traits — the shoulder, in particular, is unlike any other plesiosaur I have ever seen," said O'Keefe. After analyzing the features of all three fossil specimens, the researchers concluded that they must all belong to a new genus of elasmosaur. RELATED STORIES —Ancient sea monsters grew their long necks super fast after Great Dying by adding more vertebrae —Enormous 240 million-year-old sea monster had its head torn off in one clean bite —Giant 'sea dragon' fossil could be largest mosasaur ever discovered in Mississippi T. sandrae is thought to have at least 50 vertebrae in its neck. This adaptation may have made the aquatic predator extremely good at downward swimming and suggests that it hunted prey by diving from above. What about their diet? The ammonite molluscs that were plentiful in the oceans during the Cretaceous period are a "good candidate — due to Traskasaura's robust teeth, ideal, possibly, for crushing ammonite shells," O'Keefe said. "When I first saw the fossils and realized they represented a new taxon, I thought it might be related to other plesiosaurs from the Antarctic," said O'Keefe. "My Chilean colleague Rodrigo Otero thought differently, and he was right; Traskasaura is a strange, convergently evolved, fascinating beast."
Metro
6 days ago
- Science
- Metro
Sea monster mystery finally solved after 40 years
Hiyah Zaidi Published May 28, 2025 1:56pm Updated May 28, 2025 2:11pm Link is copied Comments An ancient sea monster – or marine reptile – has finally been formally identified to solve a nearly 40-year-old fossil mystery. Known as the Traskasaura sandrae , it lived around 85 million years ago and was found in what is today Canada's Vancouver Island (Picture: Robert O. Clark) The beast grew to at least 39 feet long and like other members of its species – the plesiosaurs – it had a long neck which had at least 50 bones and 'robust teeth' which would have been used to crush shells of its ammonite prey. But, unlike other members of the species, the Traskasaura sandrae had a mixture of classic and evolved plesiosaur traits (Picture: Getty) The researchers believe the sea monster may have been the first to be able to hunt prey from above, as one of its strengths was downward swimming. Dr Robin O'Keefe, paper author, said: 'Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia. However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it was declared British Columbia's provincial fossil in 2023' (Picture: The Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre) The fossil of Traskasaura was first found in 1988 on Vancouver Island, on the bank of the Puntledge River, by father and daughter Micheal and Heather Trask – and after whom the genus is named. The find was mostly complete, but was poorly preserved, and revealed an adult. It was dated back to around 86.3–83.6 million years ago, which would have been the geological age of Santonian, within the Late Cretaceous period (Picture: The Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre) In the years since, two more specimens have been found on this island. One included an upper limb bone, and the other was a well-preserved juvenile skeleton including girdles, limbs and the chest bones. Then in 2002, the three specimens were first described in scientific literature. But researchers were hesitant to create a new genus for the first one found, which had a few 'ambiguous' features (Picture: The Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre) But in the new study, Dr O'Keefe and colleagues discuss a new and 'excellently preserved' partial skeleton of the Puntledge River plesiosaur which reveals more about the creature, and allows for it to be confirmed as a new species and a new genus. The Traskasaura sandrae specimens are currently on display to the public at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Center in Courtenay, British Columbia (Picture: The Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre) Professor O'Keefe said: 'The fossil record is full of surprises. It is always gratifying to discover something unexpected. When I first saw the fossils and realised they represented a new taxon, I thought it might be related to other plesiosaurs from the Antarctic. My Chilean colleague Rodrigo Otero thought differently, and he was right; Traskasaura is a strange, convergently evolved, fascinating beast' (Picture: Getty)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
New sea monster has been discovered by scientists that was never identified before
Source: Monster Wiki Around 85 million years ago, the waters that once covered parts of today's Vancouver Island were home to many long-necked marine reptiles known as elasmosaurs. These creatures belonged to the larger group called plesiosaurs, which were a diverse family of ancient marine reptiles. Elasmosaurs were especially notable for their extremely long necks, allowing them to navigate the prehistoric seas with ease during that time period. In 2002, scientists uncovered the first fossil of one of these creatures within the Haslam Formation rock layer. Since that initial find, additional bones have been discovered, including an almost complete skeleton of a juvenile to these discoveries, researchers from Marshall University, working with colleagues in Canada and Chile, have confirmed that this fossil, along with bones from two other specimens, represents a completely new genus and species of elasmosaur, which they named Traskasaura sandrae which is a new odd sea monster that was never seen before and is a new discovery in science. Characteristics of Traskasaura sandrae What make Traskasaura sandrae unique The quality that makes Traskasaura sandrae so intriguing is the way it combines traits from both primitive and more evolved marine reptiles. Its jaw and neck resemble those of older elasmosaurs, featuring large teeth and a long series of neck bones. However, some parts of its shoulders and flippers appear more advanced, similar to those found in newer species of its family. It's like discovering an unexpected mix of old with new characteristics in one. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Rincón Del Atuel (ver precio) Verisure Undo 'When I first examined the fossils and realized they belonged to a new species, I suspected it might be related to plesiosaurs from Antarctica,' said the study lead author named Professor F. Robin O' Traskasaura sandrae shows some advanced features, it didn't actually evolve from those modern elasmosaurs. Instead, it developed similar traits independently through a process called convergent evolution. Powerful oceanic predator as sea monster Traskasaura sandrae is reportedly measured about 12 meters (39 feet) long and had a neck composed of at least 50 bones, making it unlike any other marine animal of its teeth were sharp, robust, and thick which is ideal for crushing prey. Scientists think these characteristics suggest a distinctive hunting of attacking from the side or below, Traskasaura probably struck from above, using its skill in swimming downward to surprise and catch its team also suggested that ammonites which are marine animals with shells that were common in the region and they might have been part of its diet. According to Professor O'Keefe, ammonites would have made suitable prey because Traskasaura's strong teeth were perfect for crushing their shells. History of Traskasaura sandrae The Scientific Discovery of Traskasaura sandrae Though the species has only recently received its official name, its fossils have been known to scientists and the public for many first specimen was discovered in 1988 by Michael and Heather Trask along the banks of the Puntledge River in the Haslam Formation. Since then, two additional fossilized individuals have been found in the same region. The 1988 fossil was first described in 2002 but wasn't immediately identified as belonging to a new genus, as there wasn't enough definitive evidence or distinct features in the adult skeleton at that discovery of a well-preserved juvenile skeleton changed everything which provide scientists the evidence and confidence that was needed to formally identify and name the new genus and 2018, the fossils gained broader recognition when they were chosen as the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia through a public vote. They are now on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre for the public to see. Gem of British Columbia The genus name Traskasaura pays tribute to the discoverers, Michael and Heather Trask, combined with 'saura,' a Greek term meaning 'lizard' .The species name sandrae honors Sandra Lee O'Keefe, whom the authors remember as a courageous fighter against breast cancer. Traskasaura sandrae solves a long-standing mystery and gives British Columbia a marine reptile uniquely its own. After years of uncertainty, an exceptional juvenile fossil and an international team of scientists holds the regard of identifying this ancient sea creature now has a name, a story, and a rightful place in prehistoric history. Thus, the complete study and story was published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology . Also read: Komodo dragons vs. Monitor lizards: Key differences explained on the basis of habitat, diet and more
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Mystery of 'Very Odd' North American Sea Monster Cracked
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An iconic and much-loved ancient sea monster has been revealed to be an entirely new and "very odd" species of plesiosaur—solving a nearly 40-year-old fossil mystery. Traskasaura sandrae, which lived some 85 million years ago around what is today Canada's Vancouver Island, grew to at least 39 feet long. Like other plesiosaurs, it had a long neck, comprising at least 50 bones, but also "robust" teeth that would have been ideal for crushing the shells of its ammonite prey. Unlike its counterparts, however, Traskasaura sandrae had an odd mixture of classic and evolved plesiosaur traits, which the researchers believe may have made it the first to be able to hunt prey from above, with a strong affinity for downward swimming. "Plesiosaur fossils have been known for decades in British Columbia," said paper author and evolutionary biologist professor Robin O'Keefe of Marshall University, West Virginia, in a statement. "However, the identity of the animal that left the fossils has remained a mystery, even as it was declared British Columbia's provincial fossil in 2023." An artist's impression of Traskasaura sandrae hunting its ammonite prey. An artist's impression of Traskasaura sandrae hunting its ammonite prey. Robert O. Clark The first specimen of Traskasaura was unearthed in 1988 on Vancouver Island, on the bank of the Puntledge River, by father-and-daughter pair Michael and Heather Trask, after whom the new genus has been named. This find, of a largely complete but poorly preserved adult, was dated back to the Santonian—the geological age within the Late Cretaceous that spans from around 86.3–83.6 million years ago. Since then, two additional specimens have been recovered from the island—one upper limb bone, as well as a well-preserved juvenile skeleton including girdles, limbs and the chest bones. The three specimens were first described in scientific literature in 2002. At that time, however, researchers were reluctant to create a new genus based primarily on the original, adult, specimen—which featured few "unambiguous" features. In the new study, however, O'Keefe and colleagues detail a new and "excellently preserved" partial skeleton of the Puntledge River plesiosaur, shining fresh light on the mysterious creature while finally enabling it to be confirmed as both a new species and genus. "The fossil record is full of surprises. It is always gratifying to discover something unexpected," commented O'Keefe, who calls the newly classified species "strange" and "fascinating." He elaborated: "The scientific confusion concerning this taxon [species] is understandable. It had a very odd mix of primitive and derived traits. "The shoulder, in particular, is unlike any other plesiosaur I have ever seen—and I have seen a few." A Traskasaura skeleton on display. A Traskasaura skeleton on display. The Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Center "With the naming of Traskasaura sandrae, the Pacific Northwest finally has a Mesozoic reptile to call its own," said O'Keefe. The Mesozoic is the geological era spanning from 252 to 66 million years ago. The biologist continued: "Fittingly, a region known for its rich marine life today was host to strange and wonderful marine reptiles in the Age of Dinosaurs." The Traskasaura sandrae specimens are currently on display to the public at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Center in Courtenay, British Columbia. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about fossils? Let us know via science@ Reference O'Keefe, F. R., Smith, E. A., Clark, R. O., Otero, R. A., Perella, A., & Trask, P. (2025). A name for the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia: A strange new elasmosaur taxon from the Santonian of Vancouver Island. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 23(1).
