The skull of a colossal sea monster has been extracted from the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, UK.It belongs to a pliosaur, a ferocious marine reptile that terrorised the oceans about 150 million years ago.The 2m-long fossil is one of the most complete specimens of its type ever discovered and is giving new insights into this ancient predator.The skull will be featured in a special David Attenborough programme on BBC One on New Year's Day.
The Pliosaur, with its massive frame and fearsome appearance, reigned supreme in the seas approximately 250 million years ago. This extraordinary creature, belonging to the order Plesiosauria, was a true marvel of evolution. Its name, derived from the Greek words "pleion" meaning "more," and "sauros" meaning "lizard," perfectly captures the essence of this colossal predator.
Imagine a creature that reached lengths of up to 50 feet, sporting a streamlined body and powerful flippers that propelled it gracefully through the water. Its elongated neck, equipped with a set of razor-sharp teeth, struck fear into the hearts of any unfortunate prey that crossed its path.
One of the most striking features of the Pliosaur was its enormous head, housing a set of formidable jaws capable of delivering a bone-crushing bite. With teeth that measured up to a whopping 12 inches in length, this apex predator was more than capable of tearing through flesh and bone, making it a force to be reckoned with.
But what truly sets the Pliosaur apart from its underwater counterparts is its adaptability. With its streamlined body and flipper-like limbs, it was built for speed and agility, allowing it to chase down its prey with astonishing efficiency. Its ability to regulate its buoyancy gave it the freedom to explore various depths of the ocean, making it a truly versatile predator.
In addition to its physical prowess, the Pliosaur possessed a remarkable intelligence. Recent research suggests that this ancient reptile had a complex social structure, with evidence of nurturing behavior and maternal care. Imagine a world where these colossal creatures swam in family groups, protecting their young and working together to secure their next meal. It's a fascinating insight into the social dynamics of an extinct species.
The Pliosaur, with its massive frame and fearsome appearance, reigned supreme in the seas approximately 250 million years ago. This extraordinary creature, belonging to the order Plesiosauria, was a true marvel of evolution. Its name, derived from the Greek words "pleion" meaning "more," and "sauros" meaning "lizard," perfectly captures the essence of this colossal predator.
Imagine a creature that reached lengths of up to 50 feet, sporting a streamlined body and powerful flippers that propelled it gracefully through the water. Its elongated neck, equipped with a set of razor-sharp teeth, struck fear into the hearts of any unfortunate prey that crossed its path.
One of the most striking features of the Pliosaur was its enormous head, housing a set of formidable jaws capable of delivering a bone-crushing bite. With teeth that measured up to a whopping 12 inches in length, this apex predator was more than capable of tearing through flesh and bone, making it a force to be reckoned with.
But what truly sets the Pliosaur apart from its underwater counterparts is its adaptability. With its streamlined body and flipper-like limbs, it was built for speed and agility, allowing it to chase down its prey with astonishing efficiency. Its ability to regulate its buoyancy gave it the freedom to explore various depths of the ocean, making it a truly versatile predator.
In addition to its physical prowess, the Pliosaur possessed a remarkable intelligence. Recent research suggests that this ancient reptile had a complex social structure, with evidence of nurturing behavior and maternal care. Imagine a world where these colossal creatures swam in family groups, protecting their young and working together to secure their next meal. It's a fascinating insight into the social dynamics of an extinct species.
