Evolution of Plesiosaurs

The most Iconic sea creatures of the Jurassic period were unquestionably the plesiosaurs with their giant sizes, tiny heads and long slender necks. Their story dates back to the previous period, the triassic, but they were rare and obscure with there being many other strange marine reptiles that filled the oceans. However, at the turn of the jurassic the other marine reptiles would go extinct but the plesiosaurs became the dominant ocean going animals. So how did they become such a success when their peers went extinct

If I have used artwork that belongs to you but have neglected to credit it this will just be because I was unable to find one. If this has happened please contact me and I will add a credit. Some Art work has been altered for the purposes of bettering them for video format; these alterations were done independent from the artists who created the original work, so they are not responsible for any inaccuracies that could have occurred with the changes being made.

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[maquinaghost]

This channel is like having a time machine, the ultimate window to a different time

[TheGuyWithName]

"Seeing incredible success..."
*cuts to drawing of Plesiosaur being eaten*

[saml]

I've been watching all your videos with my nephew when my sister drops him off. He's 6 years old and he has a better understanding of evolutionary biology than most adults in part because of the great work you do explaining these things in terms that even a 6 year old can understand. I have to pause the video to explain certain concepts sometimes, but man, he just gets it most of the time. He's always asking me why there "aren't more dinosaur shows" and I always tell him that there will be more in the future.

I imagine these aren't easy to make, they clearly require a decent amount of research, script writing, and video editing/art creation. Once the financial burden of COVID lifts off my family's collective chest, I'll definitely be diverting some of that cash to your patreon. Thank you for producing such great educational content - my nephew and I really do enjoy it, and we both learn a lot every time you upload.

[alexrennison]

Your format is perfect; the intro, the music, your voice is so relaxing to listen to, the presentation of information is perfectly paced, the art is excellent (shout out to the artists) & your outro isn’t obnoxious & always let’s me gently slip back into the real world.

Ever since I discovered your channel & watched every previous video I’ve jumped on the opportunity to relax in the dark to each new upload, I think you’re really nailing it here!

[jinsai]

I love how this channel answers my random "how did this animal evolve" questions

[vasp]

I've seen simulations of plesiosaurs swimming by using all four flippers and it must have been a stunning sight to see those ghastly toothed little heads sticking out of those beautifully flapping and "flying" bodies .

[creamygarlic]

I don’t know why but these videos are just so enjoyable, I love em

[Jakedab]

"Incredible Success" *while getting absolutely chomped.

[mattnorton]

Nowadays, the modern day Leopleurodon gives directions to wandering unicorns to help them complete their mystical quests.

[robwalsh]

Pliosaurs might be my favorite animals of all time.
Just impossibly huge and scary creatures, but still awe-inspiring.

[theblazingredcomet]

Some ichthyosaurs may have actually survived for a little bit in the cretaceous, Cetarthrosaurus among others may have clung on for a while before their group's complete demise.

[pattonramming]

I would love to see a video about the evolution of Icthyosaurs and their impact on their environment

[kevinnorwood]

I always figured Nothosaurs were the precursors to Plesiosaurs when I first heard about them. This was fun to learn how the whole process went along.

[CalebKalli]

Imagine how alien earth must have looked back than

[cosmicarc]

You should do an evolution of the deep sea, it's actually surprising diverse.

[dstinnettmusic]

Me: Oh look at the cute Nessie. Dorrie the dinosaur is so cute in mario 64
Me, after thinking about being in the water with one of these things:

[sazabi-zcir]

My guess of the long neck is for supercavitation, like swimming inside a bubble rather than swimming in the water. Some sea-birds do this while diving, and Penguins are master of such thing. Fish uses the whole body to generate thrust, supercavitation reduce the drag but also propulsion, which doesn't work for fish. Flipper swimmers, however, can have their body inside the bubble while the fins outside the bubble for propulsion. I think Plesiosaurs may look like an oversized version of Penguin, swim near the water surface at a very fast speed. They're too heavy to jump out the surface, but using their head to go up-and-down the water surface to breathe and bring-in more bubbles for swimming.

[Sunny-zdqm]

This is such a calming channel. I love putting your videos on in the background while I work bc then I can passively learn facts about all the animals and animal questions I was obsessed with as a kid

[adrianozanata]

Your channel is my favourite podcast while I lunch

[AWildErrr]

every time i watch one of these videos i'm like "that's my new favorite dinosaur"