Tanystropheus | 3D Dinopedia

Tanystropheus

Period of life:

247–230 million years ago

Period:

Triassic period

Habitat:

Coasts

Taxonomy:

Archosaurs

Height:

0.2 m

Countries:

Triassic period Tanystropheus | 3D Dinopedia

Tanystropheus (247–230 million years ago)

Name Meaning: "Long-jointed" (from the Greek words τανυ~ "long" + στροφευς "jointed")

During the Triassic period, around 247–230 million years ago, Tanystropheus roamed the Earth, possessing one of the most unusual necks among known reptiles. This neck, consisting of 13 vertebrae, was reinforced by extensive cervical ribs and was longer than the body and tail combined. Among the ancient reptiles of the Middle Triassic, Tanystropheus can be considered one of the best-researched and described reptiles. Numerous fossils, including nearly complete skeletons, have been found. Some species of Tanystropheus may have reached a total length of 6 meters, making it the longest archosauromorph.

The skull of Tanystropheus varied depending on the species. In Tanystropheus longobardicus, it was narrow and triangular, with tricuspid teeth at the back of the jaw, designed to hold slippery prey. In Tanystropheus hydroides, the skull was broader and flatter, with rows of large, curved, single-cusped fangs, similar to those of plesiosaurs. Both species had nostrils located on the top of the snout, suggesting a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

The body of Tanystropheus was elongated and relatively lightweight. Its front limbs were significantly smaller than its hind limbs, shifting the centre of gravity towards the pelvis, making the animal more stable on land. The tail was long and powerful, capable of generating strong thrusts in water.

The internal structure of Tanystropheus is also of great interest. Its lungs were multi-chambered, allowing it to breathe efficiently despite its long neck. Studies of its inner ear have shown that Tanystropheus had good hearing.

Remains of Tanystropheus have been found in various regions across the planet, including Europe, Asia, and North America. The most famous finds are from the Besano Formation in Monte San Giorgio, on the border of Italy and Switzerland. Two species have been found here: the smaller Tanystropheus longobardicus and the larger Tanystropheus hydroides.

The lifestyle of Tanystropheus has been the subject of much debate. Its rather stiff and unwieldy neck suggests a reliance on water. However, its limbs and tail lacked most swimming adaptations and closely resembled those of terrestrial reptiles. Recent studies have confirmed an intermediate position, reconstructing Tanystropheus as an animal equally capable of moving on both land and in water. Today, most researchers believe that it was most likely a piscivorous ambush predator.

Interestingly, Tanystropheus lacked many of the adaptations typical of marine reptiles—such as a laterally flattened tail (it was flattened from top to bottom, like a beaver's), and its front limbs were much smaller than its hind ones, which is also unusual for marine reptiles, both extinct (plesiosaurs) and modern (leatherback turtles). Overall, Tanystropheus was a remarkable creature: it looked like a dinosaur, lived like a plesiosaur, and moved like a frog. Despite its peculiarities, it was a successful species, as evidenced by its wide distribution and long period of existence.

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