Elasmosaurs were extremely long-necked, aquatic reptiles that used four flippers for
locomotion. Their distinctive long neck distinguishes them from all other Mesozoic forms, yet
the potential uses and constraints of this structure are poorly understood, particularly with
regard to feeding. Several associated series of elasmosaurian cervical vertebrae were used
to measure ranges of potential flexion. Two-dimensional models, based on a complete
specimen of the Late Cretaceous elasmosaur Aphrosaurus furlongi, were created to …