An extinct order of large marine reptiles from the Mesozoic era that had long necks and whale-like bodies.
From Latin 'cetus' (whale) + Greek 'sauros' (lizard) + Latin plural suffix '-ia'. Names the entire group based on their whale-like appearance.
Cetiosauria filled ecological niches in ancient seas before whales evolved—they're a stunning example of how different body plans can dominate the same environment at different times in Earth's history.
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