Tag

Prehistoric Marine Life

All articles tagged with #prehistoric marine life

Oceanic Titans: The 10 Largest Marine Creatures in History
science1 month ago

Oceanic Titans: The 10 Largest Marine Creatures in History

The piece explains why the ocean fosters gigantism—buoyancy lightens bones, thermoregulation favors larger bodies, and deep-sea energy sources support long growth—and then surveys 10 of the largest marine creatures, from the living blue whale (up to ~33 m) and fin whales to extinct giants like Megalodon, Perucetus colossus and Ichthyotitan severnensis, with notes on debated sizes (e.g., Nanaimoteuthis haggarti) and the inclusion of extraordinary coral colonies as massive ocean-scale structures.

Unique Jurassic 'Sword Dragon' Marine Reptile Fossil Discovered in England
science10 months ago

Unique Jurassic 'Sword Dragon' Marine Reptile Fossil Discovered in England

A nearly complete 190-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil, dubbed the 'Sword Dragon of Dorset,' was discovered along the UK's Jurassic Coast, filling a crucial gap in our understanding of marine reptile evolution during the Jurassic period. The fossil's exceptional preservation offers insights into the fauna turnover at the time and features unique traits like a long, sword-like snout and massive eyes, aiding scientists in understanding this pivotal era.

Fearsome 'Cute' Ancient Whale with Razor-Sharp Teeth Discovered in Australia
science1 year ago

Fearsome 'Cute' Ancient Whale with Razor-Sharp Teeth Discovered in Australia

Australian scientists discovered a well-preserved skull of a new ancient whale species, Janjucetus dullardi, dating back 26 million years. This small, sharp-toothed predator, described as 'deceptively cute,' provides insights into whale evolution and was named after a local who found the skull. The find highlights Victoria's Surf Coast as a significant site for studying early whale history.