Lõualüleste

Lõualüleste is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These long-necked marine predators lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 to 75 million years ago. The name "Lõualüleste" is derived from Estonian words, referring to specific anatomical features.

Fossils of Lõualüleste have primarily been discovered in Estonia, hence the origin of its name. The genus is distinguished by its unique vertebral morphology, particularly in the cervical (neck) and dorsal (back) regions. These features are crucial for classifying Lõualüleste within the broader group of plesiosaurs, which were characterized by their broad bodies, four flippers, and often long necks.

Lõualüleste is thought to have been a piscivore, feeding on fish and other small marine organisms. Its aquatic adaptations, including streamlined body shape and paddle-like limbs, would have made it an efficient swimmer. Like other plesiosaurs, it likely gave birth to live young. The discovery of Lõualüleste contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era, particularly in the ancient Tethys Sea. Research continues to shed light on its specific ecological role and phylogenetic relationships within the plesiosaurian family tree.