The Dorset Pliosaur: A Prehistoric Leviathan Revealed

In a remarkable find along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, archaeologists uncovered a massive pliosaur skull, as reported by the BBC. This apex marine predator ruled the oceans approximately 150 million years ago. The 2-meter-long skull establishes it as one of the largest carnivores to ever inhabit our planet.

1. The Jurassic Coast Discovery

The discovery was made in Kimmeridge Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The skull was found embedded in cliffs that date back to the Late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. The excavation required careful work due to the unstable nature of the cliffs.

2. Unprecedented Preservation

“The lower jaw and upper skull remain articulated as in life. There probably isn’t a specimen anywhere else in the world that has this level of detail,” remarks paleontologist Steve Etches. The complete reptile likely measured 10-12 meters long, with a skull containing 130 teeth featuring distinctive ridged surfaces.

3. The Ultimate Predator

Dr. Andre Rowe from the University of Bristol states: “The animal was so massive that I believe it could have effectively hunted anything that had the misfortune to encounter it.” The skull’s discovery site shows how these creatures dominated the prehistoric seascape of what is now southern England.

4. Scientific Significance

The discovery provides unprecedented insights into pliosaur anatomy and hunting strategies. The 95% complete skull offers researchers rare opportunities to study bite mechanics, sensory capabilities, and growth patterns of these ancient marine reptiles.

5. Public Presentation

The historic find will be featured in a special David Attenborough program on BBC One this New Year’s Eve, bringing this Jurassic giant to audiences worldwide. The specimen now resides at The Etches Collection Museum in Kimmeridge, Dorset.