Philorse

Philorse 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 philorse inhabited the waters of what is now North America.

The exact placement of philorse within the plesiosaur family tree is still a subject of ongoing research. However, it is generally considered to be a member of the pliosaurid group, which are characterized by their short necks and large heads. The philorse likely possessed powerful jaws equipped with sharp teeth, indicating a predatory diet of fish and other marine animals.

Fossils of philorse are relatively rare, making detailed studies challenging. The known remains are primarily fragmentary, consisting of elements from the skull and postcranial skeleton. Despite the limited fossil record, the discovery of philorse provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the final stages of the Age of Dinosaurs. Further discoveries are needed to fully understand the anatomy, behavior, and ecological role of this ancient marine predator.