Ancient sea giants: a selection of the largest inhabitants of the deep. The largest marine dinosaurs Would you like to have a pet dinosaur
10. Shastasaurus(Shastasaurus)
Ichthyosaurs were marine predators that looked like modern dolphins and could grow to enormous sizes and lived during the Triassic period about 200 million years ago.
Shastasaurus, largest species The most marine reptile ever found was an ichthyosaur that could grow to over 20 meters. It was much longer than most other predators. But one of the largest creatures ever to swim in the sea wasn't exactly a fearsome predator; Shastasaurus fed by suction, and ate mainly fish.
9. dacosaurus(Dakosaurus)
Dacosaurus was first discovered in Germany, and with its strangely reptilian yet fish-like body, it was one of the main predators in the sea during jurassic.
Its fossils have been found over a very wide area - they have been found everywhere, from England to Russia to Argentina. Although it is usually compared to modern crocodiles, Dacosaurus could reach 5 meters in length. Its unique teeth have led scientists to believe that it was the top predator during its terrible reign.
8. Thalassomedon(Thalassomedon)
Thalassomedon belonged to the Pliosaur group, and its name is translated from Greek as "Sea Lord" - and for good reason. Thalassomedons were huge predators, reaching up to 12 meters in length.
He had almost 2 meter fins, which allowed him to swim in the depths with deadly efficiency. Its reign as a predator continued until the Late Cretaceous, until it finally came to an end when new larger predators such as Mosasaurus appeared in the sea.
7. nothosaurus(Nothosaurus)
Nothosaurs, reaching a length of only 4 meters, were aggressive predators. They were armed with a mouthful of sharp, outwardly pointing teeth, indicating that their diet consisted of squid and fish. It is believed that Nothosaurs were primarily ambush predators. They used their sleek, reptilian physique to sneak up on prey and surprise them when attacking.
It is believed that Nothosaurs were related to Pliosaurs, another type of deep sea predator. Fossil evidence suggests that they lived during the Triassic period about 200 million years ago.
6. Tylosaurus(Tylosaurus)
Tylosaurus belonged to the Mosasaurus species. He was huge size, and reached more than 15 meters in length.
Tylosaurus was a meat eater with a very varied diet. Traces of fish, sharks, smaller mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and even some flightless birds. They lived at the end of the Cretaceous period in the sea, which covered the territory of modern North America where they have been densely packed at the top of the marine food chain for several million years.
5. Talattoarchon(Thalattoarchon Saurophagis)
Only recently discovered, Talattoarchon was the size of a school bus, reaching almost 9 meters in length. This is an early species of ichthyosaur that lived during Triassic period, 244 million years ago. Due to the fact that they appeared shortly after the Permian extinction (the largest mass extinction on Earth, when scientists believe 95% marine life and fauna was destroyed), its discovery gives scientists a new look at the rapid recovery of the ecosystem.
4. tanystropheus(Tanystropheus)
Although Tanystropheus was not strictly a marine inhabitant, his diet consisted mainly of fish, and scientists believe that most he spent his time in the water. Tanystropheus was a reptile that could reach 6 meters in length and is believed to have lived during the Triassic period about 215 million years ago.
3. Liopleurodon(Liopleurodon)
Liopleurodon was a marine reptile and reached over 6 meters in length. It mainly lived in the seas that covered Europe during the Jurassic period and was one of the best predators of its time. Some of his jaws are believed to have reached more than 3 meters - this is approximately equal to the distance from floor to ceiling.
With such huge teeth, it is not difficult to understand why Liopleurodon dominated the food chain.
2. Mosasaurus(Mosasaurus)
If Liopleurodon was huge, then Mosasaurus was colossal.
Fossil evidence suggests that Mosasaurus could reach up to 15 meters in length, making it one of the largest marine predators of the Cretaceous period. The head of the Mosasaurus was similar to that of a crocodile, armed with hundreds of razor-sharp teeth that could kill even the most well-armored foes.
1. Megalodon(Megalodon)
One of the most large predators in maritime history and one of the largest sharks ever recorded, Megalodons were incredibly scary creatures.
Megalodons prowled the depths of the oceans for cenozoic era, 28 - 1.5 million years ago, and were a much larger version of the great white shark, the most feared and strong predator in the oceans today. But while the maximum length modern great white sharks can reach is 6 meters, Megalodons could grow up to 20 meters in length, which means they were bigger than a school bus!
Recently, researchers discovered a fossil of a huge flying reptile that could eat all the prey it caught whole and, as they say, not choke. And we are talking about "food" the size of a modern horse.
The remains of an ancient creature were discovered in Transylvania - the famous historical area on the territory of Romania. Experts suggest that the find is about 66-70 million years old.
Researchers say they have found a fossilized neck vertebra of Hatzegopteryx, a genus of pterosaurs from the azhdarchid family that lived during the Upper Cretaceous era (70.6 - 66 million years ago) in what is now Romania.
Experts describe them as creatures with a short but massive neck and large jaws. That is, the animal was able to swallow a small person or child.
The size of the found fossilized vertebra is approximately 240 millimeters in length and six millimeters in thickness. And it was the study of the characteristics of the find that allowed scientists to assume that hatzegopteryx could eat not only dinosaurs the size of rats, but also larger individuals. So the diet of pterosaurs clearly needs to be reconsidered.
Paleontologists clarify that Hatzegopteryx was a pterosaur that existed during the time of the dinosaurs. Initially, scientists believed that pterosaurs fed on rather small prey, such as baby dinosaurs the size of rats. But the new fossils show that individual large pterosaurs did not disdain even larger prey - horse-sized dinosaurs, for example.
Pterosaurs grew quite massive and large during the late Cretaceous period - the last geological era when dinosaurs existed on Earth. One of the best-known pterosaur fossils is the Quetzalcoatlus, found in Texas, USA. Its wingspan reached 10-12 meters, but the creature itself, as scientists have established, fed on mollusks.
Quetzalcoatl also belonged to the azhdarchid family. And in general, scientists believed that the animals of this family had approximately the same body structure - long legs, neck and wings. But the recently discovered fossil of Chacegopteryx made them rethink their views.
Hatzegopteryx had a fairly short but large neck, which was nevertheless much more powerful than the rest of the azhdarchids. An ancient creature with powerful wings (the span of which was up to 12 meters) weighed almost a quarter of a ton. The researchers say that Hatzegopteryx could even be called a dangerous pterosaur because of its huge jaw.
A study on an ancient creature with huge jaws is published in the scientific publication Peer J.
Do you want to know what kinds of dinosaurs learned to swim underwater?
Most of the huge swimming monsters we know about are called marine reptiles, not dinosaurs. These huge creatures lived in the seas and oceans at the same time that dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
The most famous marine predator is the Spinosaurus.
It was the largest predatory marine dinosaur we know of. Scientists think that he could live both on land and in water. He could dive underwater and swim, as his limbs were webbed in the shape of the flippers of modern drivers. He probably hunted sharks and big fish.
Spinosaurus is the only dinosaur we know of that spent most of its life in the water. Another marine dinosaur, Ceratosaurus, probably could swim and hunt crocodiles and large fish underwater.
swimming reptiles
Spinosaurus was not the only one large dinosaur living in the water!
The sea abounded with large and ferocious reptiles of all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of them:
Nothosaurus Nobu Tamura
The first major oceanic reptiles were the Nechosaurs, which means "false reptile". They lived in the Triassic period, probably led a lifestyle similar to the life of modern seals. There are about a dozen different species, but Nothosaurus is the best known. This animal was about 4 meters (13 feet), with long, webbed toes and may have had a tail.
These reptiles were replaced by plesiosaurs, which appeared in the early Jurassic period. Most of them had long necks and small heads, ranging in size from 2.5 meters (8 feet) to 14 meters (46 feet) in length.
Pliosaurus
The largest of these was the Pliosaurus. This animal had teeth over 30 centimeters (12 inches) long, and the pressure of its jaws was four times more powerful than that of Tyrannosaurus Rex. It is 15 meters (49 ft) long.
Another underwater plesiosaur is the long-eyed Elamosaurus.
Elamosaurus
It had four fins and grew to a length of about 14 meters (46 feet). He was a very slow swimmer and probably hunted down large schools of fish while hunting.
Their necks were so long that they could not lift their heads above the water.
Why didn't all dinosaurs swim?
The word "dinosaur" has a very specific meaning.
Science uses the term "dinosaur" to describe a specific type of creature (such as the Spinosaurus), but this name does not include marine reptiles or the so-called "flying dinosaurs".
One of the reasons different classification is different kind their limbs. Dinosaurs had limbs that were located on the ventral part of their bodies, and marine reptiles had limbs that grew on the sides.
Jurassic Park taught us that the most feared prehistoric lizard that roamed the Earth was the aggressive predator Tyrannosaurus Rex. But the movie, as is often the case, did not tell us the whole truth. Millions of years ago, there were much more terrible predators on the planet, in comparison with which the tyrannosaurus will seem like a child's toy! Let's meet these monsters!
This dinosaur was a contemporary of Tyrannosaurus rex and was very reminiscent of it. However, judging by the remains found, it was much, much larger. Their metabolism, according to scientists, was something between the metabolism of mammals and reptiles, which allowed them to reach such impressive sizes. They were predators, running at 14 meters per second and preying on smaller dinosaurs, primarily long-necked sauropods and their young, grabbing them with their huge jaws. And, according to paleontologists, they ate everything in their path.
Living in the Cretaceous, Utaraptors looked like miniature T-rexes, but they were distinguished by their strength and aggressiveness, which was outstanding even by the standards of dinosaurs. In addition, they were distinguished by extraordinary dexterity - they could immediately jump a dozen meters in length and more than four meters in height. With forty-centimeter claws on their hind legs, they clung to the back of their prey. Scientists suspect that they hunted in groups; if so, it would have been easy for them to take down a much larger dinosaur.
Larger than tyrannosaurs (at least nine meters, not counting the three-meter tail!), These predators of the late Cretaceous period were almost completely invulnerable. Reinforced bones of the skull, crowned with powerful horns, did not leave the slightest chance to attack him from the front. What is most surprising is that, while really huge, Carnotaurs were also one of the fastest dinosaurs of their era. From such a lizard no one will hide!
Formally, these predatory marine reptiles were not dinosaurs, but, as contemporaries and competitors of ancient dinosaurs, they cannot but be mentioned in the general row. These sea giants grew up to 17 meters, and 10% of their size was occupied by the head - more precisely, elongated jaws full of sharp teeth. Previously, scientists believed that they moved slowly enough, wriggling their whole body, like sea snakes. But detailed studies of the tails of mosasaurs allowed them to come to the conclusion: in fact, these marine predators moved dexterously and quickly, like sharks, and grabbed prey with one lightning movement. Well, anyone could be the prey.
One of the largest and most aggressive predators, Spinosaurus had a sail-like appearance on its back, which made it look twice as big and terrifying. But the main horror he caused in the victims was not this, but his ability to move quickly both on land and on water. There was no escape from Spinosaurus anywhere! It ran at about 25 km/h and weighed more than a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Giganotosaurus combined. Truly creepy creature!
In addition to a magnificent set of teeth, this dinosaur, according to scientists, had good social skills. Paleontologists suggest that these dinosaurs lived in groups and did not show aggression towards their own species. All the rest, these strong and fast predators, who could run at a speed of 30 km / h, ate with pleasure. Both herbivores and carnivorous dinosaurs not only small, but also large enough. They themselves did not differ much in size from tyrannosaurs, but their ability to hunt in a group made them even more dangerous.
Tyranotitan was a relative of the Gigantosaurus, and differed from it in only a few features. It had more powerful teeth, longer forelimbs, and a stockier build. This burly man ran faster than a tyrannosaurus rex, and, according to paleontologists, he knew how to swim. Yes, there is something to be afraid of!
These monsters were markedly different from their relatives. For starters, instead of three fingers like the vast majority of dinosaurs, they boasted four. But the main thing was the claws on the front paws. They reached almost a meter in length! Therezinosaurus itself grew, on average, up to 10 meters. Judging by the dimensions, it is unlikely that many living creatures of their time would like to meet them on a narrow path!
One look at e
that creature is enough to flinch in horror. Giant bat 10 meters tall, equipped with long neck and a powerful beak - this can only be dreamed of in nightmares. But Quetzalcoatl also flew no worse bat! With a wingspan of up to 50 meters, it is considered the largest of the known to science flying creatures. They hunted fish and small land creatures, paleontologists believe, and did not measure their strength with large land predators, but this does not make their appearance less nightmarish.
This giant marine predator is a real monster! Its length reached 30 meters, and when it opened its mouth, it opened up no less than three meters! He could easily eat anyone in his path, and no wonder: the largest prey was about half his size. none of marine life couldn't feel safe. Anthropologists suspect that megalodons were the kings of the ocean: their remains are found all over the Earth, from North America to India.
Albertosaurus is one of the ancestors of Tyrannosaurus Rex, and in many ways it is less perfect than its descendant. Its skull bones are thinner and its bite is weaker. But he also had advantages, and very frightening ones. First, thanks to bacteria specific to this species of dinosaur, its bite was poisonous to any victim, except for its fellow tribesmen. And secondly, he could race for prey at a speed of 60 km / h - no worse than a car!
This dinosaur, originally from India, is not yet well known to scientists: its remains have only been found in fragments. However, it is known that the size and general view he resembled a T-rex, but was most likely heavier and more heavily built. If so, his steps must have made the earth tremble, and his roar must have made the leaves fall from the trees. At the mere thought of such a creature, one becomes somehow uneasy.
One of the few dinosaurs that scientists know for certain was that they were covered in dense feathers or fur. Otherwise, the Yutyrannus resembled a T-Rex: nine meters long, full of teeth, and ready to devour anyone in its path. That's just a shaggy skin ... Brrr!
Another relative of the tyrannosaurus, who managed to surpass him in strength and fury. Acrocanthosaurus was in many ways reminiscent of a Ti-rex, only in that frail front handles were only suitable for picking teeth, and in Acrocanthosaurus they were a full-fledged hunting tool, with which he grabbed and tore prey. This allowed him to hunt dinosaurs no less large than himself - and emerge victorious from the fight.
Dinosaurs were the dominant vertebrates that inhabited all the ecosystems of planet Earth for over 160 million years - from the Triassic period (about 230 million years ago) to the end of the Cretaceous period (about 65 million years ago). I want to acquaint you with a list of the ten most ferocious marine dinosaurs.
10 Shastasaurus
Shastasaurus (Shastasaurus) - a genus of dinosaurs that lived at the end of the Triassic period (more than 200 million years ago) in the territory of modern North America and, possibly, China. His remains have been found in California, British Columbia and the Chinese province of Guizhou. This predator is the largest marine reptile ever found on the planet. It could grow up to 21 meters in length and weigh 20 tons.
9 Dacosaurus
In ninth place in the ranking is the Dakosaurus - saltwater crocodile, who lived in the late Jurassic - early Cretaceous period (more than 100.5 million years ago). It was a fairly large, carnivorous animal, adapted almost exclusively to hunting large prey. Can grow up to 6 meters in length.
8. Thalassomedon
Thalassomedon is a genus of dinosaurs that lived in North America about 95 million years ago. Most likely, it was the main predator of its time. Thalassomedon grew up to 12.3 m in length. The size of its flippers reached about 1.5–2 meters. The length of the skull was 47 centimeters, teeth - 5 cm. He ate fish.
7. Nothosaurus
Nothosaurus (Nothosaurus) - sea lizard, who lived 240–210 million years ago in the territory modern Russia, Israel, China and North Africa. In length reached about 4 meters. It had webbed limbs, with five long fingers that could be used both for movement on land and for swimming. Probably ate fish. A complete Notosaurus skeleton can be seen at the Museum natural history in Berlin.
6. Tylosaurus
In sixth place in the list of the most ferocious marine dinosaurs is Tylosaurus (Tylosaurus) - a large marine predatory lizard that inhabited the oceans at the end of the Cretaceous period (about 88-78 million years ago). was dominant marine predator of his time. It grew up to 14 m in length. It fed on fish, large predatory sharks, small mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and waterfowl.
5. Talattoarchon
Talattoarchon (Thalattoarchon) - a large marine reptile that lived more than 245 million years ago in what is now the western part of the United States. The remains, consisting of part of the skull, spine, pelvic bones, and part of the hind fins, were discovered in Nevada in 2010. According to estimates, talattoarchon was the top predator of his time. It grew to at least 8.6 m in length.
4. Tanystropheus
Tanystropheus is a genus of lizard-like reptiles that lived in the Middle Triassic about 230 million years ago. It grew up to 6 meters in length, and was distinguished by a very elongated and mobile neck, which reached 3.5 m. It led a predatory aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle, probably hunting fish and cephalopods near the coast.
3. Liopleurodon
Liopleurodon (Liopleurodon) - a genus of large carnivorous marine reptiles that lived at the turn of the middle and late Jurassic period (from about 165 million to 155 million years ago). It is assumed that the largest known Liopleurodon was just over 10 m in length, but typical sizes for it range from 5 to 7 m (according to other sources, 16-20 meters). Body weight is estimated at 1-1.7 tons. These apex predators probably ambushed large cephalopods, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, sharks, and other large animals they could catch.
2 Mosasaurus
Mosasaurus (Mosasaurus) - a genus of extinct reptiles that lived on the territory of modern Western Europe and North America during the Late Cretaceous - 70–65 million years ago. For the first time their remains were found in 1764 near the river Meuse. The total length of representatives of this genus ranged from 10 to 17.5 m. appearance resembled a mixture of fish (or whale) with a crocodile. All the time they were in the water, plunging to a considerable depth. They ate fish, cephalopods, turtles and ammonites. According to some scientists, these predators are distant relatives modern monitor lizards and iguanas.
1. Megalodon
Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon) - an extinct species prehistoric shark, who lived everywhere in the oceans 28.1-3 million years ago. Is the largest known predatory fish in history. It is estimated that the megalodon reached 18 meters in length and weighed 60 tons. The shape of the body and behavior was similar to the modern white shark. He hunted cetaceans and other large marine animals. Interestingly, some cryptozoologists claim that this animal could have survived to the present, but apart from the found huge teeth (up to 15 cm in length), there is no other evidence that the shark still lives somewhere in the ocean.
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