Elaivastro

Elaivastro is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago. Fossil evidence suggests that elaivastro inhabited the waters of what is now Antarctica.

The classification of elaivastro within plesiosauria places it among the pliosaurids, a group characterized by their relatively short necks and large heads. However, the exact phylogenetic position of elaivastro is still a subject of ongoing scientific research. Its distinguishing features are primarily based on skeletal remains, including specific characteristics of its skull and vertebral column.

The discovery of elaivastro fossils has provided valuable insights into the diversity of marine life during the Cretaceous and the paleoecology of the Antarctic region during that era. Understanding elaivastro contributes to the broader picture of plesiosaur evolution and their adaptation to various marine environments before their extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. Further paleontological discoveries are anticipated to refine our understanding of this ancient marine predator.