Bransoni

Bransoni is a genus of fossil marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria, specifically within the suborder Pliosauria. These marine predators lived during the Early Cretaceous period. Bransoni fossils have been discovered in North America, primarily in the western United States. The genus is characterized by its robust build and large skull, indicative of a powerful predatory lifestyle.

The type species, BransoniＺｉｌｌｉ, was described from a partial skeleton found in Wyoming. This species, like other pliosaurs, possessed a short neck and a massive head equipped with sharp teeth, adapted for capturing large prey such as fish and other marine reptiles. Bransoni is considered a relatively small pliosaur compared to some of its contemporaries, though still a formidable predator in its ancient marine environment.

The discovery of Bransoni contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of pliosaurs during the Cretaceous. Its presence in North American fossil sites highlights the widespread distribution of these marine reptiles across global oceans. Research on Bransoni continues to shed light on the ecological roles and adaptations of Mesozoic marine predators.