The existence of the Loch Ness Monster is considered “plausible” by some scientists due to the discovery of plesiosaur fossils in Morocco’s Sahara Desert.
Plesiosaurs, ancient marine reptiles from the Jurassic period, were once thought to be exclusively saltwater creatures but may have adapted to freshwater environments.
Loch Ness, located in the Scottish Highlands, has a history of reported sightings and legends associated with the monster.
The recent discovery of plesiosaur fossils in an ancient river system in Africa has fueled speculation that Nessie could have lived in freshwater.
Plesiosaurs were apex predators, swift hunters of large prey in ancient oceans, but were not previously considered freshwater species.
The Loch Ness loch was formed during glacial processes more than 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age.
English fossil collector Mary Anning made a groundbreaking discovery of plesiosaur skeletons in 1826, the first ever found.
Plesiosaur fossils discovered in Morocco are baffling experts, consisting of bones and teeth from adult and juvenile individuals.
Paleontologists believe some plesiosaurs could tolerate both fresh and salt water, potentially living and feeding in freshwater environments.
While the theory of plesiosaurs surviving in Loch Ness is intriguing, they went extinct along with the dinosaurs about 66 million years ago.