Braytonas

Braytonas are extinct prehistoric marine reptiles that belonged to the order Plesiosauria, specifically within the family Thalassomedontidae. They lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 to 70 million years ago. Named after the city of Brayton, where fossil remains were first discovered, Braytonas are characterized by their elongated bodies, long necks, and paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming.

Fossil evidence of Braytonas includes well-preserved skulls, vertebrae, and limb bones, which suggest they were highly specialized marine predators. They are thought to have occupied a pelagic lifestyle, hunting for fish and other small marine creatures in deep offshore waters. The anatomy of Braytonas indicates they were adept swimmers, capable of swift movement through the sea.

Braytonas are notable for their relatively large size compared to other plesiosaurs, with some specimens measuring up to 15 meters (about 50 feet) in length. Their long necks and streamlined bodies provided advantages in ambush predation, allowing them to stealthily approach prey.

Fossil discoveries of Braytonas have been primarily concentrated in North America, especially in regions corresponding to ancient marine environments of the Western Interior Seaway. The extinction of Braytonas, along with other marine reptiles, is associated with the paleogeographic and environmental changes leading up to the end of the Cretaceous period. Their remains contribute valuable insights into the diversity and adaptation strategies of marine reptiles during the Cretaceous era.