Paleontologists Discover Recover a ‘One-in-a-Billion’ Sea Monster Skull — Bigger and Deadlier Than a T. Rex – Indian Defence Review
Buried for 145 million years, a massive fossil skull has emerged from the cliffs of Dorset, leaving scientists in awe. This prehistoric predator had a bite so powerful it could rival the most fearsome beasts of its time. Unique features suggest it may belong to an undiscovered species. What experts found next is rewriting Jurassic history.A massive pliosaur skull has been discovered embedded in the cliffs near Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset, astonishing paleontologists and sparking new debates about the deadliest hunters of the Jurassic era. The fossil, boasting a bite force stronger than that of a T. rex, belonged to a marine reptile that ruled the seas 145 million years ago. With its razor-sharp teeth and immense jaw power, this ancient predator is now being compared to the most fearsome creatures to have ever lived.The skull was found 12 meters (39 feet) up a cliff along the Jurassic Coast, one of the world’s most famous fossil hotspots. The extraction was led by Chris Moore and Steve Etches, two experts who have dedicated their careers to uncovering prehistoric life.While pliosaur fossils have been found before, this specimen has unique features never seen in any other known species. A distinct cranial crest and an elongated jawline extending past the eye socket have intrigued researchers, suggesting that this may be a previously undiscovered type of pliosaur.Pliosaurs were the apex predators of the Jurassic oceans, dominating their waters with huge, muscular jaws capable of crushing prey with devastating force. Scientists analyzing the newly discovered fossil estimate that its bite was even stronger than that of a Tyrannosaurus rex.Renowned naturalist David Attenborough, who followed the discovery closely, even posed the ultimate prehistoric battle question: Pliosaur vs. T. rex—who would win? According to experts, the answer is clear: the pliosaur was the true king of Jurassic-era carnivores.“It was the most terrifying animal in the seas,” said Dr. Andre Rowe, an American expert involved in the research.Fossils of this size and condition are almost unheard of. The pristine preservation of the skull, nearly intact as it would have been in life, makes this a once-in-a-lifetime find.Attenborough, who examined the fossil firsthand, was stunned:“The first thing that struck me was the sheer scale. This skull is enormous, and its level of detail is breathtaking.”The fossil even features sensory pits and a possible parietal eye, an adaptation that could have helped the pliosaur navigate its surroundings, much like modern crocodiles sense movement in water.The entire excavation was documented by the BBC, culminating in a special feature narrated by David Attenborough himself. The program, aired on BBC One and iPlayer, gives viewers an exclusive look at the fossil’s discovery, its recovery, and the ongoing efforts to determine whether this is an entirely new species.With the skull now housed at The Etches Collection, further studies will uncover more about the prehistoric giant that once terrorized Jurassic seas. If confirmed as a new species, this discovery will rewrite our understanding of the deadliest ocean predators to ever live.This article was published in BBC. Note: The article has been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.Got a reaction? Share your thoughts in the commentsEnjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free Newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest newsI wonder what other creatures are waiting to be discovered.! Amazing, and what an excavation!Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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