Monday, January 28, 2013

Previously Unknown Ancient Super Marine Predator Identified

Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos Blood Biting Tyrant 

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a previously unknown ancient ocean predator after analyzing a fossil that had spent over a century in the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow. The Times reports that the 165-million-year-old fossil was found in a clay pit near Peterborough in the early 1900s.

The 30-foot-long ancient predator has been named Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos, which means "blood-biting tyrant swimmer." The ancient creature is a distant relative of crocodiles. In the sketch, the creature appears to resemble a cross between a crocodile and a dolphin or shark. BBC News reports that the creature's large graping jaw and serrated teeth would have enabled it to feed on larger prey. 

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