A newly identified sea creature from the Jurassic period, known as Lorrainosaurus, once dominated the oceans as a fearsome megapredator. Living approximately 170 million years ago, Lorrainosaurus belonged to the pliosaur species Thalassophonea, often referred to as the ‘sea murderers’. This remarkable discovery sheds light on the impressive and terrifying creatures that roamed the ancient seas.
The Fossils Revisited
Although fossils of Lorrainosaurus were first discovered in 1983, a recent study reexamined and confirmed their significance. This reanalysis was prompted by advancements in fossil-researching techniques. The study reexamined around five fossils, including three sections of its jaw, a tooth crown with a root, and a portion of its fin.
Unique Features
Lorrainosaurus possessed distinct characteristics, setting it apart from its pliosaur relatives. Notably, it had a jaw measuring 4.3 feet in length and a jawbone approximately one foot long. These features, along with its torpedo-shaped body, earned it a place among the ‘sea murderers’.
New Evolutionary Branch
The study revealed that Lorrainosaurus warranted its own branch on the pliosaur evolutionary tree. This distinction was based on observations of broader and more “wedge-shaped” splenials and lower jaw bones. Such features placed it in a unique category within the pliosaur family.
A Pliosaur Dynasty
The megapredatory pliosaurs, including Lorrainosaurus, were considered a formidable “dynasty” due to their immense strength and dominance in their era. As co-author Daniel Madzia, a paleontologist from the Institute of Paleobiology at the Polish Academy of Sciences, noted, “Pliosaurids were the rulers of the Mesozoic seas.” This finding underscores the historical significance of these creatures and their place in the marine ecosystem.
Diverse Diet and Predatory Prowess
Lorrainosaurus was a formidable predator with an eclectic diet. It preyed on various massive sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and other plesiosaurs. Thanks to its colossal jaw, it could devour prey of its choosing, making it one of the largest marine predators of its time.
Discovery in Northeastern France
The fossils of Lorrainosaurus were uncovered in northeastern France, specifically in the region once known as Lorraine. This discovery site has provided valuable insights into the ancient marine world and the remarkable adaptations of its inhabitants.