2023-12-12 18:15:19
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An exceptionally well-preserved fossil skull of a pliosaur — a sea monster that lived around 150 million years ago — has been unearthed on a beach in Dorset, southern England. The imposing fossil measures nearly two meters long, with jaws containing 130 long, sharp teeth. Considering the size of the head, the animal was probably so large that it might have tackled almost anything in its path.
Pliosaurs are marine reptiles that lived between the Upper Triassic and the end of the Cretaceous. They are characterized by a short neck and a large, elongated head. Not to be confused with plesiosaurs which have a long neck and a small head. Measuring between 10 and 12 meters long and weighing up to 12 tonnes, they had 4 large fins which allowed them to swim at high speed by performing alternating flapping movements – which is very different from the undulating swimming of crocodiles. and current monitor lizards. However, if this type of swimming is similar to that of plesiosaurs, pliosaurs would be more adapted to deep waters.
The specimen in question was discovered in England by Philipp Jacobs, a local painter and fossil enthusiast, while walking on a beach near Kimmeridge Bay in the county of Dorset. The site is known for its important fossil deposit and is classified as a world heritage site. During a walk, Jacobs came across the tip of the animal’s fossilized snout. Strangely, the rest of the head was nowhere to be found.
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It was by carrying out a drone flight over the adjacent cliff that the team of paleontologists contacted by Jacobs found the rest of the head, embedded in the rock. In order to extract it, scientists had to rappel down the cliff. They then excavated it while hanging 15 meters above the beach. Experts were surprised to discover that the specimen was not only enormous, but the skull was also exceptionally well preserved. “ This is one of the best fossils I have ever worked on. What makes it unique is that it is complete “said paleontologist Steve Etches at BBC News.
A real “killing machine”
The fossil record of pliosaurs around the world generally has relatively little detail and many bones may be missing. On the other hand, the one found in Dorset still had the upper and lower jaw well fitted together. Although slightly deformed, all of the skull bones are present.
The head of the pliosaur is approximately 2 meters long, which allows you to get an idea of the titanic size of the animal. Perhaps the most impressive features are its 130 long, sharp teeth, the inner surface of which is covered with fine grooves. Experiments have shown that these make it easier to cut and remove the flesh of prey, probably in order to be able to quickly move on to a second attack.
By examining the large circular openings in the back of the skull, paleontologists believed that this is the location of the muscles operating the reptile’s jaw. His bulging muscles probably allowed him to produce an overwhelming force of 33,000 newtons, enough to cut a small car in two with a single blow! By comparison, that of the saltwater crocodile — the modern animal with the highest bite force — is just 16,000 newtons.
Steve Etches next to the pliosaur skull. © BBC/Tony Jolliff
Given its size and power, the animal would likely have hunted almost anything in its path, including its long-necked cousins as well as other marine reptiles. Fossil evidence has suggested that it hunted even its smaller counterparts. On the other hand, pliosaurs would likely have shared a hunting strategy common with reptilian predators whose heads are enlarged at the rear, such as crocodiles. The latter clench their teeth around their prey and then turn on themselves in order to tear off the part they have grabbed.
See as well
Furthermore, the newly discovered specimen has characteristics suggesting that it possessed ultra-acute senses. The researchers notably noted dozens of dimples on the tip of its snout, probably the locations of ancient glands detecting changes in pressure in the water, which might have completed its hunting arsenal. In addition, the top of its head has a cavity which would have housed a parietal eye (a third eye) according to the researchers, and which would thus have helped it to locate its prey in deep, murky waters. This is a relatively common photosensitive organ that some modern-day lizards, frogs and fish also have.
Etches and his colleagues also noticed that a few vertebrae were visible on the back of the head, which might suggest that the fossilized remains of the animal’s body are still embedded in the cliff. Researchers hope to be able to continue the excavations as quickly as possible, as Dorset’s cliffs are particularly prone to erosion. “ This part of the cliff is retreating a few meters per year. And it won’t be long before the rest of the pliosaur is lost “, explains Etches.
For those who want to know more regarding the fossil and for whom English is not a problem: it will be presented on New Year’s Day on BBC One, as part of a special program presented by David Attenborough, the charismatic narrator of the documentaries “Our Planet” and “Planet Earth”, among others. It will also be on display next year in the Etches Museum, Kimmeridge.
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