Alutus

Alutus refers to a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the family Pliosauridae, a group of short-necked plesiosaurs. These formidable predators lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 to 125 million years ago. The genus is known from fossil remains discovered in various parts of the world, notably in Europe.

The most well-known species is Alutus vastus, whose fossils have been found in the United Kingdom. Alutus possessed a powerful build, characterized by a large head, robust jaws filled with sharp teeth, and a relatively short neck compared to its long-bodied relatives, the plesiosaurs. These adaptations suggest Alutus was an active predator, capable of hunting large prey in the ancient seas. Its flippers were likely strong and paddle-like, providing propulsion for swimming.

The discovery of Alutus contributes to our understanding of pliosaur diversity and evolution during the Cretaceous. The genus highlights the continued presence and ecological importance of these large marine reptiles after the dominance of pliosaurs in the Jurassic period. Research on Alutus continues to shed light on the feeding habits, locomotion, and paleoecology of marine ecosystems in the Early Cretaceous.