capitoscit

Capitoscit is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These long-necked marine creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 to 75 million years ago. Fossils of Capitoscit have been found in what is now North America, specifically in the Western Interior Seaway.

Capitoscit possessed the characteristic long neck and small head typical of plesiosaurs. Their bodies were broad and flattened, adapted for swimming in ancient oceans. They likely fed on fish, ammonites, and other small marine life, using their sharp teeth to catch prey. The precise number of species within the Capitoscit genus is a subject of ongoing paleontological research, with new discoveries potentially refining our understanding of its diversity.

The discovery of Capitoscit fossils has provided valuable insights into the ecosystem of the Late Cretaceous and the evolutionary history of marine reptiles. Their presence in the fossil record contributes to our understanding of the biodiversity that existed before the mass extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs. Studying Capitoscit helps paleontologists reconstruct the ancient marine environment and the ecological roles played by these formidable predators.