Name:
Tanystropheus (Greek for "long-necked one"); pronounced TAN-ee-STROH-fee-us
Habitat:
Shores of Europe
Historical Period:
Late Triassic (215 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 20 feet long and 300 pounds
Diet:
Probably fish
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Extremely long neck; webbed hind feet
About Tanystropheus:
Tanystropheus is one of those ancient reptiles that looks like it came straight out of a cartoon: its body was relatively unremarkable and lizard-like, but its long, narrow neck extended out for a distance of 10 feet. Even stranger (from a paleontological perspective), this creature's exaggerated neck was supported by only 10 extremely elongated vertebrae.
How did Tanystropheus make its living? This is still a matter of some debate, but most researchers think it perched on shorelines and used its narrow neck as a kind of fishing line. However, it's also possible that Tanystropheus led a primarily landbound existence, and fed on smaller lizards perched high up in trees.
