We know that all life began in the sea. The primordial soup. Some creatures made their way to shore, and started the chain reaction of land animals. Others stayed in the oceans, like the Elasmosaurus, and set the pattern for the marine life that would follow. This beautiful animal has a long neck, and a flat tail. With the right setting, it should really attract the crowds. |
Elasmosaurus is a genus of marine reptile in Jurassic World Evolution 2. Originated from Late Cretaceous North America, Elasmosaurus is among the largest plesiosaurs.
Characteristics
Characterized by its small head, short tail, and an extremely long neck ā which can grow up to 10 meters in length, roughly double the length of the rest of its body ā Elasmosaurus is among the largest plesiosaurs to have existed and lived during the Late Cretaceous period, from 80 to 65 million years ago. Elasmosaurus' streamlined body and paddle-shaped limbs allow it to swim quickly in search of fish and small reptiles to eat, grabbing prey with its long, sharp teeth. Its name translates to "Thin-Plate Lizard", referring to the plate-like bones in its chest and pelvis.[1]
Behaviour
The Elasmosaurus is a social creature liking every type of marine reptile. However, if placed with large marine reptiles, they will hunt down the Elasmosaurus. The Elasmosaurus has to be partnered with at least one other Elasmosaurus.
Paleontology
One of the largest plesiosaurs, measuring between 9 and 15 m (30 and 50 ft) in length, Elasmosaurus was discovered by army doctor Theophilus Hunt Turner and army scout William Comstock in 1867, while studying rock formations near their base at Fort Wallace, Kansas. The amateur pair unearthed three large fossils and passed them on to paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, who soon confirmed that it was a new genus of plesiosaur.
Paleoecology
Elasmosaurus existed in North America during the Late Cretaceous period, around 80-66 million years ago. It swam the Western Interior Seaway, living alongside other marine reptiles and many species of fish, cephalopods, sharks, and turtles (such as Archelon).
Elasmosaurus, like other plesiosaurs, swept its protruding neck through shoals of fish to feed. This saved much energy compared to the alternative - chasing down prey in bursts. Elasmosaurus had the greatest neck-to-body ratio of any known plesiosaur, giving it a vast reach. Thin, interlocking teeth pierced caught fish, preventing escape; they were then swallowed and pulverised by gastroliths in the stomach. Like all plesiosaurs, Elasmosaurus was vulnerable to attack, though its size protected it from all but the largest predators, such as mosasaurs.[2]
Behind the scenes
Elasmosaurus was first confirmed to be in the game in an interview with Game Director Rich Newbold which was uploaded to youtube by user Geektown on October 8, 2021.[3]
Gallery
References
- ā Elasmosaurus. Jurassic World Evolution 2 Database. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ā Elasmosaurus. Prehistoric Wildlife. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ā Geektown. (October 8, 2021). 'Jurassic World Evolution 2' - Interview With Game Director Rich Newbold & Game Footage! [Video, 8:18]. Youtube. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
External links
- Elasmosaurus on Wikipedia