Macroplata

Macroplata (meaning "big plate") is an extinct genus of Early Jurassic basal plesiosaur which grew up to 4.5 metres (15 ft) in length. Like other plesiosaurs, Macroplata probably lived on a diet of fish, using its sharp needle-like teeth to catch prey. Its shoulder bones were fairly large, indicating a powerful forward stroke for fast swimming. Macroplata also had a relatively long neck, twice the length of the skull, in contrast to pliosaurs.[2]
Plesiosaurus longirostris was once assigned to this genus, but it has been re-assigned to Hauffiosaurus, as H. longirostris.[3]
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures