Dinosaurs are looking for prey. The remains of a pterosaur that feasted on horse-sized dinosaurs have been found in Transylvania. Volcano with blue lava
Do you want to know what types 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 Spinosaurus.
It was the largest marine predatory dinosaur that we know of. Scientists think that he could live both on land and in water. He could dive underwater and swim, as his limbs had membranes in the shape of the fins of modern drivers. He probably hunted sharks and big fish.
Spinosaurus is the only dinosaur that we have ever learned about. most your life in the water. Another marine dinosaur, Ceratosaurus, could probably swim and hunt crocodiles and large fish underwater.
Swimming reptiles
Spinosaurus wasn't the only one large dinosaur living in the water!
The sea was teeming with large and ferocious reptiles of all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of them:
Nothosaurus Nobu Tamura
The first large ocean reptiles were Nechosaurus, which means "false reptile". They lived during the Triassic period, probably leading a lifestyle similar to that of modern seals. There are about a dozen different species, but the most famous of them is Nothosaurus. This animal was about 4 meters (13 feet), with long, webbed toes and may have had a tail.
These reptiles replaced the plesiosaurs that appeared in the early Jurassic period. Most had long necks and small heads, ranging in size from 2.5 meters (8 feet) to 14 meters (46 feet) in length.
Pliosaur
The largest of them was the Pliosaurus. This animal had teeth more than 30 centimeters (12 in) 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 be about 14 meters (46 ft) long. It was a very slow swimmer and probably tracked 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 know how to swim?
The word "dinosaur" has a very specific meaning.
Science uses the term "dinosaur" to describe a certain type of creature (such as Spinosaurus), but this name does not include marine reptiles or so-called "flying dinosaurs."
One of the reasons for the 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.
Recently, researchers discovered the fossil of a huge flying reptile that could eat the entire prey it caught without, as they say, choking. And we are talking about “food” the size of a modern horse.
The remains of an ancient creature were discovered in Transylvania, a famous historical region in Romania. Experts suggest that the find is about 66-70 million years old.
Researchers say they have found a fossilized cervical vertebra of Hacegopteryx, a genus of azhdarchid pterosaur 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 big jaws. That is, the animal was capable of swallowing 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 feed not only on dinosaurs the size of rats, but also on 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 dinosaurs. Scientists initially believed that pterosaurs ate fairly small prey, such as baby dinosaurs the size of rats. But new fossils show that some large individuals of pterosaurs did not disdain 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 most famous pterosaur fossils is Quetzalcoatlus, found in Texas, USA. Its wingspan reached 10-12 meters, but the creature itself, as scientists established, fed on mollusks.
Quetzalcoatlus also belonged to the azhdarchid family. And in general, scientists believed that animals of this family had approximately the same body structure - long paws, neck and wings. But the recently discovered fossil of Hacegopteryx has forced them to reconsider their views.
Hacegopteryx had a rather short, but large neck, which was nevertheless much more powerful than that of the other azhdarchids. An ancient creature with powerful wings (the span of which was up to 12 meters) weighed almost a quarter of a ton. Researchers say Hacegopteryx could even be called a dangerous pterosaur due to its huge jaw.
Research about ancient creature with huge jaws published in the scientific publication Peer J.
In previous publications we have already touched on the topic of dinosaurs. Then we were talking about the ten largest species known to science. Today we want to introduce you to the list of the ten most ferocious sea dinosaurs. So.
Shastasaurus - a genus of dinosaurs that lived at the end of Triassic period(more than 200 million years ago) on the territory of modern North America and possibly China. His remains were discovered in California, British Columbia and Chinese province 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.
In ninth place in the ranking is Dakosaurus - saltwater crocodile, who lived in the late Jurassic - early Cretaceous period (more than 100.5 million years ago). It was a rather large, carnivorous animal, adapted almost exclusively to hunting big catch. It could grow up to 6 meters in length.
Thalassomedon is a genus of dinosaur that lived in North America about 95 million years ago. Most likely, he was the main predator of his 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, the length of the teeth was 5 cm. It ate fish.
Nothosaurus - sea lizard, who lived 240–210 million years ago in the territory modern Russia, Israel, China and North Africa. It reached about 4 meters in length. It had webbed limbs, with five long fingers, which could be used both for movement on land and for swimming. Probably ate fish. The complete skeleton of Nothosaurus can be seen at the Natural History Museum in Berlin.
In sixth place on the list of the most ferocious marine dinosaurs is 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 sea predator of its time. Grew up to 14 m in length. It ate fish, large predatory sharks, small mosasaurs, plesiosaurs and waterfowl.
Thalattoarchon was a large marine reptile that lived more than 245 million years ago in what is now the western United States. Remains consisting of part of the skull, spine, pelvic bones, and parts of the rear fins were discovered in Nevada in 2010. Thalattoarchon is estimated to have been the apex predator of its time. It grew to be at least 8.6 m in length.
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 near the shore for fish and cephalopods.
Liopleurodon is a genus of large carnivorous marine reptiles that lived at the turn of the Middle and Late Ages. Jurassic period(approximately 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 likely hunted from ambush, attacking large cephalopods, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, sharks, and other large animals they could catch.
Mosasaurus (Mosasaurus) is a genus of extinct reptiles that lived in the territory of modern Western Europe and North America during the Late Cretaceous - 70–65 million years ago. Their remains were first found in 1764 near the Meuse River. The total length of representatives of this genus ranged from 10 to 17.5 m. According to appearance resembled a mixture of fish (or whale) and crocodile. They were in the water all the time, diving to a considerable depth. They ate fish, cephalopods, turtles and ammonites. According to some scientists, these predators are distant relatives of modern monitor lizards and iguanas.
Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon) is an extinct species of prehistoric shark that lived throughout the oceans 28.1–3 million years ago. Is the largest known predatory fish in history. Megalodon is estimated to have reached 18 meters in length and weighed 60 tons. In body shape and behavior it was similar to modern white shark. He hunted cetaceans and other large sea animals. It is interesting that some cryptozoologists claim that this animal could have survived to the present day, but apart from the huge teeth found (up to 15 cm in length), there is no other evidence that the shark still lives somewhere in the ocean.
Jurassic Park taught us that the most feared of the prehistoric lizards that roamed the Earth was the aggressive predator Tyrannosaurus. But the movie, as often happens, did not tell us the whole truth. Millions of years ago, there were much more terrible predators on the planet, compared to which the Tyrannosaurus would seem like a child's toy! Let's meet these monsters!
This dinosaur was a contemporary of the Tyrannosaurus rex and closely resembled it. However, judging by the remains found, he was much, much larger. Their metabolism, according to scientists, was somewhere between the metabolism of mammals and reptiles, which allowed them to reach such impressive sizes. They were predators, running at a speed of 14 meters per second and hunting 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 period, Utahraptors were similar to miniature T. rexes, but they were distinguished by their strength and aggressiveness, which was outstanding even by dinosaur standards. In addition, they were distinguished by extraordinary dexterity - they could jump tens of meters in length and more than four meters in height at once. With forty-centimeter claws on their hind legs, they grabbed the back of their prey. Scientists suspect that they hunted in groups; if so, it would have been easy for them to kill a dinosaur much larger than themselves.
Larger than tyrannosaurs (at least nine meters, not counting the three-meter tail!), these predators of the late Cretaceous period were distinguished by almost complete invulnerability. The reinforced skull bones, crowned with powerful horns, did not leave the slightest chance of attacking him from the front. What is most surprising is that, being truly huge, Carnotaurs were also one of the most fast dinosaurs of his era. No one can hide from such a lizard!
Formally, these predatory marine reptiles were not dinosaurs, but, as contemporaries and competitors of ancient lizards, they cannot but be mentioned in the general series. 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 quite slowly, 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 deftly and quickly, like sharks, and grabbed prey in one lightning-fast movement. Well, anyone could become prey.
One of the largest and most aggressive predators, Spinosaurus had a kind of sail on its back, which made it look twice as large and terrifying. But he caused the main horror in his victims not by this, but by his ability to move quickly both on land and on water. There was no escape from the Spinosaurus anywhere! It ran at about 25 km/h and weighed more than Tyrannosaurus and Gigantosaurus combined. Truly a terrible creature!
In addition to an excellent 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 species. These strong and fast predators, who could run at a speed of 30 km/h, ate everyone else with pleasure. Both herbivores and carnivorous dinosaurs not only small, but also quite large in size. They themselves differed little in size from tyrannosaurs, but their ability to hunt in groups made them even more dangerous.
Tyranotitan was a relative of Gigantosaurus, and differed from it in only a few features. It had stronger teeth, longer forelimbs and a stockier build. This tough guy ran faster than a tyrannosaurus, and, moreover, paleontologists suggest, he could swim. Yes, there is something to be afraid of!
These monsters were noticeably 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! The Theresinosaurus itself grew, on average, up to 10 meters. Judging by their size, it’s unlikely that many contemporary living creatures would want to meet them on a narrow path!
One look at
that creature is enough to make you shudder in horror. A 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 reaching up to 50 meters, it is considered the largest flying creature known to science. They hunted fish and small land creatures, paleontologists believe, and did not measure their strength with large ones terrestrial predators, but that doesn’t make their appearance any less nightmarish.
This giant sea predator is a real monster! Its length reached 30 meters, and when it opened its mouth, it swung open 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 sea creatures 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, and in many ways it is more imperfect than its descendant. Its skull bones are thinner and its bite is weaker. But it also had advantages, and very frightening ones. Firstly, thanks to bacteria specific to this type of dinosaur, its bite was poisonous to any victim except its fellow tribesmen. And secondly, he could rush after prey at a speed of 60 km/h - no worse than a car!
This dinosaur, originally from India, is not yet very well known to scientists: its remains have been found only in fragments. However, it is known that the size and general view it resembled a T. rex, but was most likely heavier and more densely built. If this is so, the earth should have trembled from his steps, and leaves from the trees should have fallen from his roar. The mere thought of such a creature makes one feel uneasy.
Ldin is one of the few dinosaurs about which scientists know for certain that they were covered with dense feathers or fur. In other respects, Yutyrannus resembled a T. rex: nine meters long, a mouth full of teeth and a readiness to devour anyone in its path. That's just a shaggy skin... Brrr!
Another relative of the tyrannosaurus, who managed to surpass it in strength and fury. Acrocanthosaurus was in many ways reminiscent of a T. rex, only its frail front arms were only suitable for picking teeth, while those of Acrocanthosaurus were a full-fledged hunting tool, with which it grabbed and tore apart 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 ecosystems of planet Earth for more than 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 would like to introduce you to a list of the ten most ferocious sea dinosaurs.
10. Shastasaurus
Shastasaurus is 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 were discovered 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. Dakosaurus
In ninth place in the ranking is Dakosaurus, a saltwater crocodile that lived in the late Jurassic - early Cretaceous period (more than 100.5 million years ago). It was a rather large, carnivorous animal, adapted almost exclusively to hunting large prey. It could grow up to 6 meters in length.
8. Thalassomedon
Thalassomedon is a genus of dinosaur that lived in North America about 95 million years ago. Most likely, he was the main predator of his 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, the length of the teeth was 5 cm. It ate fish.
7. Nothosaurus
Nothosaurus (Nothosaurus) is a sea lizard that lived 240–210 million years ago in the territory of modern Russia, Israel, China and North Africa. It reached about 4 meters in length. It had webbed limbs, with five long fingers, which could be used both for movement on land and for swimming. Probably ate fish. The complete skeleton of Nothosaurus can be seen at the Natural History Museum in Berlin.
6. Tylosaurus
In sixth place on the list of the most ferocious marine dinosaurs is Tylosaurus, a large marine predatory lizard that inhabited the oceans at the end of the Cretaceous period (about 88–78 million years ago). It was the dominant marine predator of its time. Grew up to 14 m in length. It ate fish, large predatory sharks, small mosasaurs, plesiosaurs and waterfowl.
5. Thalattoarchon
Thalattoarchon was a large marine reptile that lived more than 245 million years ago in what is now the western United States. The remains, consisting of part of the skull, spine, pelvic bones, and parts of the hind fins, were discovered in Nevada in 2010. Thalattoarchon is estimated to have been the apex predator of its time. It grew to be 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 near the shore for fish and cephalopods.
3. Liopleurodon
Liopleurodon is a genus of large carnivorous marine reptiles that lived at the turn of the Middle and Late Jurassic period (approximately 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 likely hunted from ambush, attacking large cephalopods, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, sharks, and other large animals they could catch.
2. Mosasaurus
Mosasaurus (Mosasaurus) is a genus of extinct reptiles that lived in the territory of modern Western Europe and North America during the Late Cretaceous - 70–65 million years ago. Their remains were first found in 1764 near the Meuse River. The total length of representatives of this genus ranged from 10 to 17.5 m. In appearance they resembled a mixture of fish (or whale) with a crocodile. They were in the water all the time, diving to a considerable depth. They ate fish, cephalopods, turtles and ammonites. According to some scientists, these predators are distant relatives of modern monitor lizards and iguanas.
1. Megalodon
Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon) is an extinct species of prehistoric shark that lived throughout the oceans 28.1–3 million years ago. It is the largest known predatory fish in history. Megalodon is estimated to have reached 18 meters in length and weighed 60 tons. In body shape and behavior it was similar to a modern white shark. He hunted cetaceans and other large sea animals. It is interesting that some cryptozoologists claim that this animal could have survived to the present day, but apart from the huge teeth found (up to 15 cm in length), there is no other evidence that the shark still lives somewhere in the ocean.
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