tanesini

Tanesini is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria, specifically within the suborder Pliosauria. These were large, formidable predators that inhabited the oceans during the Late Jurassic period. The most notable species, Plesiosaurus tanesini, was discovered in the United States.

The morphology of Tanesini is characteristic of pliosaurs, featuring a short neck and a massive head equipped with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. This anatomy suggests a lifestyle as an apex predator, capable of hunting large prey. Their flippers were adapted for powerful swimming, allowing them to navigate their marine environment efficiently.

Fossil evidence for Tanesini has been found in formations dating back to the Kimmeridgian and Tithonian stages of the Late Jurassic, approximately 155 to 140 million years ago. Their distribution appears to have been widespread within certain ancient marine basins. The discovery of Tanesini contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era, particularly the Pliosaurid lineage. Studying these fossils helps paleontologists reconstruct the ecosystems of the Jurassic seas and the ecological roles played by these ancient marine predators.