Sekotos

Sekotos is a genus of prehistoric marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These long-necked marine creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago. Fossil evidence suggests that Sekotos inhabited the waters of what is now North America. The genus was first described in 2005 based on fossil remains found in the Maastrichtian stage deposits of the Lance Formation in Wyoming, USA.

The most defining characteristic of Sekotos is its exceptionally long neck, a common trait among plesiosaurs, which allowed them to reach prey in the water while keeping their bodies relatively stable. While detailed anatomical studies are ongoing, available fossil material indicates Sekotos possessed a streamlined body and paddle-like limbs adapted for efficient swimming. Its diet likely consisted of fish and other small marine organisms, which it would have captured using its neck flexibility and sharp teeth.

The discovery of Sekotos has contributed to our understanding of plesiosaur diversity during the final stages of the Cretaceous period, just before the K-Pg extinction event. Its presence in North American fossil sites provides insights into the marine ecosystems of that era and the evolutionary adaptations of these ancient reptiles. Further research on Sekotos fossils continues to shed light on its specific relationships within the broader plesiosaur family tree and its ecological role in its ancient environment.