Buried for 145 million years, a massive pliosaur skull has been dug up in Dorset, south west England. This sea monster had a bite force stronger than a T. rex. Scientists say it’s a one in a billion find that could totally change everything we know bout Jurassic monsters.
Where Was It Found?
The fossil was spotted 12 meters up a cliff on the Jurassic Coast, a zone known to be full of fossils. The team used ropes and careful digging to extract this giant skull from the rocks.
The Skull’s Size and Condition
The fossil was spotted 12 meters up a cliff on the Jurassic Coast, a zone known to be full of fossils. The team used ropes and careful digging to extract this giant skull from the rocks.
What is a Pliosaur?
Pliosaurs were the ultimate sea killers. Short necks, huge heads and exceptionally strong jaws full of sharp teeth. They were similar to killer whales but far more terrifying and massive.
Bigger and Badder Than T. Rex
This fossil has some unusual features such as a long jaw and a skull bump that no other pliosaur had. Scientists think it might be a whole new species, making it an even more revolutionary finding.
Is It a New Species?
This fossil has some unusual features such as a long jaw and a skull bump that no other pliosaur had. Scientists think it might be a whole new species, making it an even more revolutionary finding.
The First Person to Spot It
Someone who just happened to be a huge fan of fossils was walking on the beach and found the first piece. You don’t have be a scientist to make big discoveries. Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time.
How Did They Get It Out?
Taking a giant skull out of a cliff isn’t easy. The team had to climb up with ropes and harnesses while ensuring the fossil didn’t break or send rocks crashing down.
Sir David Attenborough’s Reaction
David Attenborough himself studied the fossil and was mind-blown. He called it breathtaking and was absolutely amazed at how massive and detailed it was.
How Pliosaurs Hunted
With monster jaws and killer teeth, this pliosaur probably ambushed, bit down hard and crushed its prey. Some scientists even think it might have had a third eye to sense movement in water.
The Future of the Fossil
Currently, the skull is at The Etches Collection museum where scientists are still studying it. If the monster is in fact a new species, it could change everything we know about ancient sea monsters.
A Discovery Caught on Film
BBC filmed the entire story and made a documentary narrated by David Attenborough himself, which allowed the discovery to have even more visibility and credibility.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. There are probably even more unusual fossils hiding in Dorset’s cliffs. Who knows what other monsters are waiting to be found? Science never sleeps and history still has plenty of stones that need to be unturned.
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