Fun Meyerasaurus Facts For Kids

Moumita Dutta
Oct 20, 2022 By Moumita Dutta
Originally Published on Feb 25, 2022
Edited by Luca Demetriou
Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao
Meyerasaurus is an Extinct genus of marine reptiles that survived the Early Jurassic period alongside many dinosaurs.

Meyerasaurus, with the type species Meyerasaurus victor, is an Extinct marine reptile. Meyerasaurus victor was found in 2010, near Harpoceras elegantulum-falciferum ammonoid subzones, located around southwestern Germany.

The reptile initially found its place in the plesiosaurus species of the marine creature, later in the 'wonder reptile' species of Thaumatosaurus, and at last, the Rhomaleosauridae. Meyerasaurus facts speak of its diverging history with other aggressive and predatory dinosaurs.

Meyerasaurus Interesting Facts

How do you pronounce 'Meyerasaurus'?

Meyerasaurus is pronounced as 'My-era-sore-us'. This name means 'Meyer’s lizard'.

What type of dinosaur was a Meyerasaurus?

Meyerasaurus was not exactly a dinosaur but a marine reptile that coexisted with other dinosaurs.

In which geological period did the Meyerasaurus roam the Earth?

Meyerasaurus belonged to the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic period, around 183–180 million years ago.

When did the Meyerasaurus become Extinct?

Meyerasaurus's exact extinction time period is yet to be found.

Where did Meyerasaurus live?

Meyerasaurus is found to have lived in Germany.

What was the Meyerasaurus's habitat?

Belonging to the family of Rhomaleosauridae, Meyerasaurus was a marine reptile that lived deep in oceans.

Who did the Meyerasaurus live with?

Meyerasaurus lived around other marine reptile species such as pliosaurs.

How long did a Meyerasaurus live?

The life span of this animal is not clearly identified.

How did they reproduce?

Meyerasaurus reproduced by giving birth to live offspring.

Meyerasaurus Fun Facts

What did the Meyerasaurus look like?

Meyerasaurus victor was a type of reptile with an appearance resembling a strong lizard. The marine reptile had an elongated neck and strong flippers instead of limbs to move back and forth through the depth of waters along with a tail. Meyerasaurus was a close relative of pliosaurs but less threatening.

We've been unable to source an image of Meyerasaurus and have used an image of a pliosaur instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Meyerasaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

How many bones did a Meyerasaurus have?

State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, fortunately, houses the complete fossil of Meyerasaurus victor from the genus Meyerasaurus, presented with an articulated skull and a skeleton in ventral view. Meyerasaurus from the Early Jurassic was excavated with its 14.5 in (37 cm) long skull intact.

How did they communicate?

Meyerasaurus communication is yet to be discovered.

How big was the Meyerasaurus?

The recorded length of the found Meyerasaurus specimen is 11 ft (3 m).

How fast could a Meyerasaurus move?

The details are yet to be ascertained.

How much did a Meyerasaurus weigh?

The information on their weight is yet to be found.

What were the male and female names of the species?

There are no records for any differentiation between male or female Meyerasaurus.

What would you call a baby Meyerasaurus?

The information is yet to be concluded.

How aggressive were they?

Meyerasaurus primarily survived on smaller marine animals such as fish, squids, or mollusks. Since the species owned a sharp set of teeth but were incapable of tearing apart hard flesh, Meyerasaurus was not an excessively aggressive species. It is unknown exactly how strong their teeth were.

Did You Know…

  • Meyerasaurus species were primarily called Thaumatosaurus, which carried the defunct name of being known as 'wonder reptile'.
  • Adam S. Smith and Peggy Vincent, originally named Meyerasaurus victor.
  • The recreated image of Meyerasaurus closely appears like that of a sea turtle, but its features mostly relate to a lizard.
  • Digital simulations of Meyerasaurus motion have led scientists to have two contrasting theories: one supporting its back and forth flying-like movement and the other with an up and down flap movement to gain momentum.
  • Its fossil was found in Holzmaden, Germany.

**We've been unable to source an image of Meyerasaurus and have used an image of Kronosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Meyerasaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

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Written by Moumita Dutta

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

Moumita Dutta picture

Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.

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Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

Pradhanya Rao picture

Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.

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