In Depth
Named after the legendary island of Avalon (and supposed resting place of King Arthur), Avalonnectes was a rhomaleosaurid plesiosaur. Aside from being related to the type genus of the group, Rhomaleosaurus, this meant that Avalonnectes is noted as being a genus of shorter necked plesiosaurs. Avalonnectes has been considered to be a more primitive member of these.
Further Reading
- High Diversity, Low Disparity and Small Body Size in Plesiosaurs (Reptilia, Sauropterygia) from the Triassic–Jurassic Boundary - Roger B. J. Benson, Mark Evans and Patrick S. Druckenmiller - 2012.
