Hoipertelevias

Hoipertelevias is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the clade Sauropterygia, which includes plesiosaurs and their relatives. The name *Hoipertelevias* translates roughly to "long-necked swimmer" from Greek, reflecting its elongated neck and aquatic lifestyle. Fossils of this genus have been discovered in the Upper Jurassic period, dating back approximately 155 to 150 million years ago, primarily in what is now Europe.

*Hoipertelevias* is notable for its elongated neck, which could reach up to 1.5 meters in length, allowing it to forage for food in deeper waters. Its skull was relatively narrow and equipped with sharp teeth, suggesting a diet of fish and possibly other marine creatures. The body was streamlined, adapted for efficient swimming, and its limbs were modified into flippers, similar to those of later plesiosaurs. Estimates of its total length range between 3 to 4 meters, making it a moderately sized marine reptile for its time.

Fossil remains of *Hoipertelevias* have been found in sedimentary rock formations in Germany and possibly other parts of Europe. The most complete specimens include partial skeletons, including vertebrae, ribs, limb bones, and fragments of the skull. These discoveries have provided insights into the anatomy and ecology of this Jurassic marine reptile, though its exact evolutionary relationships remain a subject of ongoing study.

*Hoipertelevias* is often compared to other contemporaneous sauropterygians, such as *Plesiosaurus* and *Cryptoclidus*, due to its similar body plan. However, its distinct cranial features and neck proportions help differentiate it within the broader context of Jurassic marine reptile diversity. Research into *Hoipertelevias* contributes to understanding the adaptive radiation of sauropterygians during the Mesozoic Era.