New species of sea monster Traskasaura sandrae discovered in Canada

In Canada, fossils of a prehistoric sea monster have led scientists to identify a new genus and species. These fossils, collected in 1988 along the Puntledge River on Vancouver Island, were initially classified as elasmosaurs, a type of plesiosaur from the Late Cretaceous period. Recent discoveries, including a well-preserved juvenile skeleton and dozens of vertebrae, allowed researchers to formally categorize these remains as belonging to Traskasaura sandrae, a unique genus characterized by a mix of primitive and derived traits unlike any other known elasmosaur. Lead author F. Robin O'Keefe expressed excitement over the unexpected find, highlighting the diverse nature of fossil records. The naming of Traskasaura honors Courtenay, British Columbia, where the original specimen was found, while the species name recognizes Sandra Lee O’Keefe for her contributions to the research. Further investigation into the fossils revealed that T. sandrae had an unusual shoulder structure, setting it apart from other plesiosaurs. The identification of this genus and species sheds light on the marine ecosystem in North America during the Late Cretaceous period, a time when prey was plentiful according to scientists. The discovery is a remarkable testament to paleontology's ongoing revelations as scientists continue to explore and interpret fossil evidence, which often leads to surprising insights about prehistoric life.