A physical flipper model tested phase relationships and measured thrust, torque and efficiency; it constrains plausible swimming mechanics rather than observing an extinct gait.
Represented range201.4–66 Ma
RegionsRecirculating-water-channel model experiment
CladesPlesiosauria
Claim ledger
event-mechanism · medium
A water-channel flipper model found performance benefits at selected fore- and hind-flipper phase offsets through vortex interaction; this experimental feasibility result does not directly observe extinct plesiosaur strokes or establish one universal gait.