Exspecta

Exspecta 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. Fossils attributed to Exspecta have been discovered in the Maastrichtian-age strata of Antarctica. The genus was first described in 2013 based on partial remains.

The Exspecta fossils suggest it was a relatively small plesiosaur. Its exact phylogenetic placement within the Plesiosauria is still under investigation, but it is believed to be a member of the Pliosauridae family, characterized by their shorter necks and larger heads compared to other plesiosaurs. The limited fossil evidence makes it challenging to reconstruct its complete anatomy and lifestyle with certainty. However, like other pliosaurs, Exspecta was likely a predatory marine carnivore, feeding on fish and other marine life in the ancient Antarctic seas. The discovery of Exspecta adds to our understanding of the diversity of marine reptiles present in the Southern Hemisphere during the final stages of the age of dinosaurs. Further research and fossil discoveries are needed to fully elucidate the characteristics and evolutionary significance of this extinct genus.