An ancient reptile’s fossilized skin reveals how it swam like a seal

The fossil is the first of its kind found with skin and partially webbed feet

the unearthed skeleton of a plesiosaur

This new and remarkably complete Lariosaurus valceresii skeleton showcases a faint outline of skin that reveals its underlying musculature and hints about how it swam.

© MCSN, Photo by Fabio Magnani

New insights into an ancient swimming reptile are more than skin deep.