The fossilized skull of a pliosaur, a giant sea monster that lived 150 million years ago, has been discovered on the cliffs of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast in South West England. This 2-meter-long fossil is considered one of the most complete of its kind ever found, providing new insights into the ancient predator’s anatomy and behavior.
The pliosaur skull, equipped with 130 razor-sharp teeth, suggests the creature had the ability to deliver lethal bites. Described as an underwater T. rex, the pliosaur is compared to the iconic dinosaur species that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
Local palaeontologist Steve Etches expressed his amazement at the fossil’s completeness, stating that it’s “one of the best fossils I’ve ever worked on.” The pliosaur’s length is estimated to be between 10 and 12 meters, and it had four powerful flipper-like limbs, earning it the nickname “the ultimate killing machine.”
The discovery was made possible through a drone survey, which identified the likely location on a towering cliff face. Subsequent excavation efforts, including a daring operation involving ropes 15 meters above a beach, successfully revealed the complete skull.
Palaeobiologist Prof Emily Rayfield, who examined the specimen, highlighted the pliosaur’s powerful bite, exerting forces of about 33,000 newtons, surpassing even saltwater crocodiles. The fossil also provided insights into the pliosaur’s sensory abilities, with snout pits possibly detecting changes in water pressure made by prey. Additionally, a hole in its head suggested the presence of a parietal, or third, eye, indicating light sensitivity for locating animals in murky waters.
This discovery contributes valuable information to our understanding of the pliosaur’s biology and behavior, shedding light on the fascinating world of prehistoric marine predators.
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