The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Mats Eriksson

Mats Eriksson

Professor

Mats Eriksson

A new specimen of Plesiopterys wildi reveals the diversification of cryptoclidian precursors and possible endemism within European Early Jurassic plesiosaur assemblages

Author

  • Miguel Marx
  • Sven Sachs
  • Benjamin P Kear
  • Mats Eriksson
  • Klaus Nilkens
  • Johan Lindgren

Summary, in English

A virtually complete and articulated plesiosaur skeleton (MH 7) is described from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) Posidonienschiefer Formation near Holzmaden in southern Germany. Plesiosaur remains are rare in this rock unit compared to those of other marine reptiles, such as ichthyosaurs and thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs. The new specimen offers an opportunity to assess the biodiversity of Early Jurassic plesiosaurs documented from what is now Central Europe.

Department/s

  • Department of Geology

Publishing year

2025

Language

English

Publication/Series

PeerJ

Volume

13

Document type

Article

Publisher

PeerJ

Topic

  • Geology

Keywords

  • Biodiversity, Diversification, Endemism, Jurassic, Plesiosaur
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2167-8359