Thalassodraco, meaning “sea dragon,” is an aquatic dinosaur that evolved from a Maastrichtian dromaeosaurid that survived the extinction event. Over millions of years, its descendants gradually adapted to life in and around the water. They developed stronger swimming abilities, webbed feet, a powerful flattened tail, and a streamlined body. Thalassodraco's most unusual feature is its specialized water-storage organ, called a hydro-sac. It can store water separately from its normal digestive system and force the water out through its mouth in a powerful blast. It uses this ability to disturb prey, clear debris, and defend itself. Although it looks somewhat like a dragon, its claws, arms, skull, and other features show its theropod ancestry. Its dragon-like appearance developed naturally through millions of years of evolution.
