Paraconcavus

Paraconcavus is an extinct genus of pliosaurid plesiosaur that lived in the Late Jurassic period, about 155 to 150 million years ago. This genus is characterized by its unique skull morphology, particularly the concave shape of the upper jaw, which gives it its name (meaning “nearly concave”). Currently, the genus contains only one species, Paraconcavus koeneni, which was first described in 1996 by German paleontologist Eberhard Frey.

Paraconcavus mexicanus

Common Names

There are no widely recognized common names for Paraconcavus. It is primarily referred to by its scientific name.

Characteristics

Paraconcavus possessed several distinguishing features:

  • Concave upper jaw: The most notable characteristic of Paraconcavus is its concave upper jaw, which is unlike that of other pliosaurids. This shape is thought to have contributed to a powerful bite force.
  • Large size: Paraconcavus is estimated to have reached lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet), making it a large predator of its time.
  • Powerful limbs: Like other plesiosaurs, Paraconcavus had four large flippers that propelled it through the water.
  • Long neck: Despite its short skull, Paraconcavus had a relatively long neck, compared to other pliosaurids.
  • Large teeth: Paraconcavus had sharp, conical teeth, adapted for catching and consuming prey.

Environment

Paraconcavus fossils have been found in marine sediments of the Late Jurassic period in Germany. This indicates that it inhabited warm, shallow seas, likely feeding on a variety of fish, squid, and other marine reptiles.

References

  • Frey, E. (1996). Paraconcavus koeneni, gen. et sp. nov., a new pliosaurid (Reptilia: Plesiosauria) from the Late Jurassic of Germany. Mitteilungen aus dem Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, Geowissenschaftliche Reihe, 1, 1-23.
  • Smith, A. S., & Dyke, G. J. (2008). The skull of the Late Jurassic pliosaurid Paraconcavus koeneni Frey, 1996. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 28(3), 795-812.
  • O'Keefe, F. R. (2011). A cladistic analysis and taxonomic revision of the Pliosauridae (Sauropterygia: Plesiosauria). Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, 56(3), 523-543.