Upsalis

Upsalis is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These long-necked creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 77 million years ago. The name Upsalis is derived from the Greek words "ups" meaning 'height' and "alis" meaning 'sea', referring to their likely aquatic habitat and perhaps their stature.

Fossil discoveries attributed to Upsalis have been primarily found in Europe, particularly in regions that were once shallow seas. Like other plesiosaurs, Upsalis possessed a broad body, four paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming, and a relatively small skull atop a long neck. Their exact diet is not definitively known, but based on their dentition and the typical feeding strategies of plesiosaurs, they are believed to have preyed on fish and other small marine organisms.

The genus Upsalis is characterized by specific anatomical features in its skeletal structure, particularly in the vertebrae and limb bones, which paleontologists use to distinguish it from other plesiosaur genera. Research on Upsalis contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era and provides insights into the ecosystems of the ancient oceans. Further fossil discoveries are anticipated to refine our knowledge of this fascinating extinct reptile.