A prehistoric embryo was found still inside its mother. The 78 million year old fossil of a Polycotylus latippinus, which is a four flippered swimmer and classed as a reptile, was originally found back in 1987, on a Ranch in Logan County Kansas. Studies of this find are now complete and on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
An artist’s representation depicts the Mesozoic plesiosaur Polycotylus latippinus delivering a single live offspring. Scientists think it’s possible that plesiosaurs cared for their young after birth. Photo: AP
This was a significant find, originally it was thought that this animal, being a reptile, laid eggs, but of course it is now known that the young were born live. Because this animal gave birth to young it is now thought that this prehistoric animal may have been “social” similar to a dolphin.
There is an article about this find in The Age.
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Magsx2's Blog 
I learned SO MUCH in that 5-minute video clip — thank you for sharing it here.
Hi Laurie,
I am so pleased to hear that, that’s great. You wouldn’t believe the trouble I had trying to find a video on this. 😀
It was well worth your effort!
Thank You very much Laurie. 🙂
Extremely fascinating. When you think about numbers like that … 78 million years … that kind of puts our time here in a different perspective !
Hi coolfeline,
It is a long time ago, and our time is really insignificant as far as time on earth goes.
I’m amazed at the size of the fossil its really huge and the video was very informative. I agree with Laurie it was worth the effort :-).
Hi Windsmoke,
Yes there were huge animals, it is really hard to put the size into perspective really. I’m glad that you have also enjoyed the video. I know a lot of these finding don’t interest a lot of people, but I have always found them fascinating.
Outstanding!
Hi elcampeador,
It is very outstanding. 😀
Yes Mags, indeed it is..VERY!
Amazing as I didn’t know this one – although I don’t claim to be an evolutionary expert by any means. Good stuff though … But there is one element of doubt – it was found in Kansas. Well, I say that because Kansas has had it’s share of controversies around the teaching of evolution. OK – I’m kidding about the doubt, but not about Kansas.
Hi aFrankAngle,
It is a shame that Kansas has such a bad name.
But it is a very good find, scientists have learned a lot from this, because the reptile was going young, and not eggs has turned everything they thought they knew upside down, another re-write in a lot of books. 😀
That is amazing, Mags! Thanks for working hard to get that video. Absolutely incredible!
Hi Lenore,
It’s an amazing video, and I thought it helped to explain a great deal, I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀
That’s a fascinating find! I think it’s also amazing how artists can recreate what scientists feel the fossilized animals looked like, as in the picture you provided, Magsx2.
Hi AA,
I totally agree, the artist has done a wonderful job showing how this prehistoric reptile may have given birth. H/she would of had to have worked with what the scientists described, a very good job indeed.
The more we learn the more it turns out we didnt know and had wrong. Theres still so much to know…
Hi tempo,
That is so true, the amount of times that history books have had to have amendments put in shows how much we are learning, and will continue to learn about life on earth in the past. 😀
This is fantastic! You make us all a little smarter. Thanks for sharing.
Hi writingfeemail,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thank You. 🙂
Wow! It’s amazing what clues to the natural history of our planet can be found in the earth. It’s awe-inspiring the way scientists are able to connect the dots for us and make the picture of the past a little clearer, fossil by fossil.
Hi Barbara,
They do amazing work, it all takes so much time, but it is worth it in the end. We are still learning, with every new find.
That’s an amazing display! I would love to see it in person someday.
Hi ariadnesdaughter,
It would be good to be able to see the display. 🙂
Amazing! Thanks for posting that vid! 🙂
Hi wolke205,
Glad you enjoyed it all. 😀
Soooo cool!
Hi Fergiemoto,
Yes it really is cool. 😀
You find the most interesting facts on the internet and throw in a little laugh on the side! 🙂
Neat info coming from one that loves to watch Jurassic Park! 🙂
Hi BoJo Photo,
Thank You very much. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
I am also a Jurassic Park fan.
Magnificent find. I’m glad it’s finally on display. Cool! 🙂
Hi E.C.
It’s amazing how a find like this can change what we have previously learned.
Fantastic for the kids to see this on display as well, a look into another time. 😀
How fascinating! It is quite stunning.
Hi Lady Marilyn,
An amazing discovery isn’t it, something you would never dream of finding.
WOW. It is amazing what science can uncover. I have such respect for scientists. Must be fascinating work!
Hi Selma,
I agree, very fascinating work, this find has turned everything they thought they knew upside down, it’s amazing when you think about it.