Dorset UK - Sea Monster Discovery

Dorset UK - Sea Monster Discovery

The cranium of an enormous sea monster has been unearthed from the cliffs along Dorset's Jurassic Coast. This sea monster, identified as a pliosaur, was a formidable marine reptile that ruled the oceans approximately 150 million years ago.

Measuring 2 meters in length, this fossil is among the most complete specimens of its kind ever discovered, offering valuable insights into the life of this ancient predator. The discovery will be showcased in a special New Year's Day program featuring David Attenborough on BBC One. The sheer size and remarkable preservation of this pliosaur are immediately apparent.

Renowned local paleontologist Steve Etches describes it as one of the finest fossils he has ever worked on, emphasizing its uniqueness due to its completeness. The lower jaw and upper skull are intricately connected, providing an unparalleled level of detail rarely found in specimens worldwide. Even though there is some distortion, every bone is present. The skull's length surpasses the height of most humans, underscoring the immense size of the creature.

The attention is inevitably drawn to its 130 teeth, particularly those at the front. These teeth, long and razor-sharp, had the potential to deliver a lethal bite. A closer inspection reveals fine ridges on the back of each tooth, indicating their design to pierce flesh efficiently and swiftly retract, preparing for a rapid second attack.

Measuring 10-12 meters in length, equipped with four powerful flipper-like limbs, the pliosaur was the ocean's apex predator, the ultimate killing machine. Dr. Andre Rowe from Bristol University likens it to an underwater T. rex, emphasizing its ability to effectively prey on anything unfortunate enough to share its habitat.

This recently unearthed specimen exhibits characteristics that imply it possessed particularly acute and highly beneficial senses.

Adorning its snout are small pits that could have served as the location for glands, aiding in the detection of changes in water pressure caused by potential prey. Additionally, a hole on its head would have accommodated a parietal or third eye, a feature found in certain lizards, frogs, and contemporary fish. This light-sensitive organ may have played a role in locating other animals, particularly when the pliosaur surfaced from deep, murky waters.

Steve Etches plans to showcase the skull at his museum, the Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, next year, so jump on a plane and visit this wonderful collection.