Alikanavia

Alikanavia is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 to 70 million years ago. Fossils attributed to alikanavia have been discovered in the United States, primarily within the Western Interior Seaway. Alikanavia is characterized by its relatively small size for a pliosaurid, with estimated lengths reaching around 5 to 7 meters. Its anatomy suggests it was a powerful predator, likely feeding on fish and other marine life. The genus was first described in 1995 based on partial skeletal remains, including vertebrae and skull fragments. The taxonomic placement of alikanavia has been debated, with some researchers considering it a distinct genus while others have suggested it might be synonymous with other known pliosaurid genera. Further fossil discoveries and detailed comparative anatomical studies are necessary to fully understand its phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history. The presence of alikanavia in the Western Interior Seaway provides valuable insights into the marine ecosystems and biodiversity of North America during the Late Cretaceous.