150 Million-Year-Old 'Sea Monster' Found in England:

The entire skull of a huge 'sea monster' was unearthed on the rocks of the Jurassic Coast in southern England.

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 is longer than most humans are tall, which gives you a sense of how big the creature must have been overall. The 130 teeth in its mouth are quite visible, especially the front ones.

Pliosaur

Pliosaurs were a group of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, particularly during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. They belonged to the order Plesiosauria, which also includes the more well-known long-necked plesiosaurs. Pliosaurs were characterized by their large heads, short necks, and massive bodies, making them formidable predators of the ancient seas.

Here are some key features and characteristics of pliosaurs:

Body Structure: Pliosaurs had a streamlined body shape, with four large flippers that enabled efficient swimming. Their bodies were more compact compared to the long-necked plesiosaurs, with a shorter neck and a large, elongated head.

Teeth: Pliosaurs had powerful jaws lined with sharp, conical teeth, which were well-suited for catching and consuming prey. Their teeth were often large and robust, indicating a diet of fish, squid, and other marine animals.

Size: Pliosaurs were among the largest marine reptiles of their time, with some species reaching lengths of up to 15 meters (50 feet) or more. One of the most famous pliosaurs, Pliosaurus funkei, is estimated to have measured around 10-12 meters (33-39 feet) in length.

Hunting Behavior: Pliosaurs were apex predators of the oceans, likely hunting near the surface or in mid-water depths. Their streamlined bodies and powerful jaws suggest they were capable of fast swimming and delivering powerful bites to capture prey.

Fossils: Fossils of pliosaurs have been found on every continent, indicating a wide distribution across ancient oceans. Some well-preserved specimens have provided valuable insights into the anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary history of these marine reptiles.

One of the most famous pliosaurs is Liopleurodon, which gained widespread attention due to its appearance in documentaries and popular media. However, it's worth noting that the depiction of Liopleurodon as an enormous, hyper-aggressive predator in popular culture may be exaggerated compared to the scientific evidence available. Nonetheless, pliosaurs remain fascinating subjects for paleontologists and enthusiasts interested in prehistoric marine life.