Source: ScienceDaily
Context: Researchers have identified fossils of a 170-million-year-old ancient marine reptile as the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur (a group of ocean-dwelling reptiles). This pliosaur genus, named Lorrainosaurus, was found in northeastern France.
What are pliosaurs?
Pliosaurs were a type of marine reptile that lived over 200 million years ago (during the early Middle Jurassic period). They were known for their short necks, large conical teeth and massive skulls. These creatures evolved into enormous apex predators, some exceeding 10 meters in length. They were major marine predators of their time, akin to today’s Killer whales. They are one of the largest aquatic carnivorous reptiles that have ever lived and are often referred to as sea monsters
About Lorrainosaurus:
It was one of the first large pliosaurs and played a significant role in the evolution of these apex predators that ruled the oceans for millions of years.
The fossils of Lorrainosaurus were discovered in 1983 and were recently analyzed, shedding light on this ancient marine reptile’s significance.
