Tanystropheus Not a Dinosaur but a Prehistoric Reptile that lived 240 Million Years Ago. When the early Dinosaurs started roaming the earth Tanystropheus was seeking prey in the water. Its neck was 3 times as long as its torso, which had 13 extremely elongated vertebrae! Scientists have been puzzled over how and where this species lived. The newest study indicate that it was surprisingly adaptable. Debate over whether it lived mostly on land or in the water have been aided by CT scans of its skull. Tanystropheus has several adaptations suggesting life in the water. Nostrils on top of the snout like modern crocodilians and long curved teeth common among fish eating marine reptiles.
Thanks to Ghedoghedo, CC BY-SA 3.0 for photos of Tanystropheus
It reminds me of a Plesiosaurus (also not a Dinosaur another Marine Reptile) except Tanystropheus has arms, legs and claws vs. Plesiosaurus fins. Microscopic cross sections of a smaller size Tanystropheus reflected significant differences between the two sizes of Tanystropheus previously found that were thought to be adults & juveniles. The number of growth rings indicate the smaller size is a separate species living at the same time as the larger. The teeth on the smaller Tanystropheus were more suited to eating shellfish while the larger eat fish & squid, which fossils of were found in the larger one’s stomach.
References: Field Museum Member Magazine & Wikipedia
The Prehistoric Pals have return from their Annual Quest and will be settling back on their regular perches. If you saw a shooting star on Christmas Eve Night, perhaps it was TySantasaurus Rex and the Nine Raptors led by Raphael the Red Nose Raptor!
My First Book “Is a Metal Dinosaur the Right Pet for You?” is Available as an eBook on Kindle through Amazon.com
Only $3.99!
Included are two photos of Prehistoric Pals converted to black & white line drawings for You to express Your Color Imagination! Search online for print options on Your device. Print Screen, Cropping & Printing are available on many smart phones. Your smart phone may even allow You to email Your Print Screen to Yourself allowing even more options before printing. Kindle has an app for smart phones!
I would love to see Your Color Visions for Dominic & Raphael! Use crayons, pencils, pens, or watercolors! Attach feathers, glitter whatever brings them to life for You. Send a picture of Your Colorized Imaginations to: paul@paulsprehistoricpark.com It could be in a future post!
I will keep You posted with information on my Next eBook “The Shy Triceratops”. I hope to have Paperback versions available later in 2021.
Consider Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site.
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” with host Emily Graslie and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Many Libraries are offering “Curbside Pick-up. If you prefer the hardcopy, “Curbside Pick-up may be the option for you.
Wishing You & Yours a Very Happy & Healthy New Year!
Stay Safe & Well.
Please Remember to Wear Masks and Social Distance. Protect Yourself, Friends, Family & Everyone You Pass!
Thank You!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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