They discover remains of the pliosaur that allow estimating that it had a length never seen before in this species.
Thanks to paleontology we have been able to witness the discovery of multiple species of dinosaurs that once inhabited the Earth. Known as the age of the dinosaurs, it marked a before and after in understanding the Earth as a place teeming with life. Despite the fall of the meteorite that ended these animals forever, even today they can be obtain multiple evidences about its existence. The findings in question allow us to understand why we are dealing with incredible beings due to their size.
It should be noted that everything was on a large scale at that time, whether in the terrestrial environment or in the aquatic environment. Today we want to focus them, in particular, on the Triassic era, when the pliosaur lived. This spectacular dinosaur is known as one of the greatest predators in history and yet, many of its characteristics are still unknown. The limited presence of remains makes the composition of a complete body very difficult, but a new study has managed to shed light on this.
Let us see, therefore, what is new that is known about this animal that lived with other species in the Triassicwhy we are facing one of the largest animals in history in the aquatic environment and, of course, to what extent the existence of this predator could have been vital in the ecosystems in which it inhabited millions of years ago.
They discover key facts about the pliosaur in the Triassic era
Some paleontologists from the University of Portsmouth have been able to discover remains of a specimen that measured a total of 14.4 meters in length, a milestone that allows setting a new world record. With an antiquity between 145-152 million years, we find ourselves before some very skilled beings in the water, since they had a total of 4 lateral fins and a tail. Despite their incredible volume, they could move at great speed, a key element to be able to feed.
The investigation has made it possible to verify how these animals could have ended the lives of many other smaller reptiles. Notches on teeth found in other animals are compatible with those found in this dinosaur, which shows that they were part of its daily diet. In addition, it is important to mention that these animals they had to feed on several of them every day considering the large volume of his body. This finding is very important, since it allows ordering the trophic chain.
It is important to specify that the size estimate offers some doubts, since a scale has been established for which it would be between 9.9 and 14.4 meters in length. Be that as it may, these figures make this reptile one of the most feared animals in the oceans. due to its ability to hunt its prey. It should be remembered that we are facing one of the most special animals on the seabed of all those that have been studied throughout all these years.