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'''Plesiosaurs''' are large [[reptiles]] characterized by long necks with small heads; stocky, finless tails; and a broad, turtle-like body with four flippered appendages. Using design inference based on their morphology, paleontologists believe that they were sea-dwelling carnivores that dined on fish and shellfish.
'''Plesiosaurs''' are large [[reptiles]] characterized by long necks with small heads; stocky, finless tails; and a broad, turtle-like body with four flippered appendages. Using design inference based on their morphology, paleontologists believe that they were sea-dwelling carnivores that dined on fish and shellfish.
[[Image:plesiosaur_owen.png|none|Plesiosaur skeleton from ''Palaeontology'', Richard Owen, 1861, p. 247.]]
Their [[fossil]] skeletons were first discovered in early 19th century in England by [[Mary Anning]] and were among the first large vertebrate fossils found. Since then, many more have been found and there are a number of complete specimens.
Their [[fossil]] skeletons were first discovered in early 19th century in England by [[Mary Anning]] and were among the first large vertebrate fossils found. Since then, many more have been found and there are a number of complete specimens.