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' The Pliosaur is a large group of carnivorous marine reptiles  '

By: John Loyd C. Dancel 6 – Urduja IBIS

This marine reptiles who have massive heads,short necks ,and streamlined tear shape bodies.The fossils of the Pliosaur have been found,the fossils were said to about 200 million to 65.5 million years ago. They are classified as Plesiosauria along with there long-necked relatives,the Pliosaurs possessed powerful jaws and large teeth and they used to have four large fins to swim through the Mesoziac seas. One notable pliosaur is Liopleurodon,a genus found in middle jurassic deposits in england and northen france.Liopleudoron is significant in that several fossils of variable quality the range in length from 5 to 25 metres (16 to 85 feet) have been placed in this genus leading many authorities to question whether such specimens should be reclassified into other genera. On the other hand,some groups did indeed grow quite large,for example Kronosaurus, an early Cretaceous pliosaur from australia,grew to about 12 metres(about 40 feet long)the skull alone measured about 3.7 metres (12.1 feet long).An even larger pliosaur from the jurassic dubbed as "Predator X" was unearthed is Svalbard in 2009 although it remains unclassified at present,some details are known,its length and weight are estimated to be about at 15 metres(about 50 feet long) and 45 tonnes (almost about 100,000 pounds),respectively the jaws of this creature are thought to have produce a bite force of 33,000 pounds per square inch,perhaps the highest bite force of any known animal.

 ◎ A Diverse Family 

The Pliosaurs did not constitute a solitary species but rather represented a diverse family of marine reptiles that inhabited the oceans for an astonishing 160 million years. They were part of the larger marine reptile group known as the Plesiosaurs. Pliosaurs could range from a mere few meters in length to gigantic predators exceeding 40 feet. Among these giants, the colossal Kronosaurus, a leviathan of ancient seas that thrived during the Early Cretaceous, remains the most renowned.

◎ Physical Adaptations One of the most conspicuous attributes of Pliosaurs was their sleek physiques and robust flippers, attributes that rendered them exceptional swimmers. In stark contrast to their long-necked Plesiosaur relatives, Pliosaurs possessed short necks and formidable skulls equipped with razor-sharp teeth, ideally suited for capturing prey. Their jaws could extend widely, enabling them to effortlessly seize fish, ammonites, and other denizens of the ocean depths. These adaptations elevated them to the apex of the prehistoric marine food chain.

◎ Hunting Techniques

Pliosaurs held the esteemed position of apex predators during their era and employed a diverse range of hunting tactics. Their swiftness and agility enabled them to chase down swiftly moving prey. Some researchers even speculate that certain Pliosaurs may have relied on stealthy approaches to ambush their quarry, closing in quietly before launching rapid attacks. Their flexible diets encompassed fish, squid, and various other marine reptiles, underscoring their versatility as apex predators in ancient aquatic ecosystems.

◎ The End of an Era

In spite of their enduring dominance spanning millions of years, Pliosaurs eventually confronted extinction, a fate shared with numerous prehistoric creatures. The precise causes of their decline remain a topic of scientific discourse, with factors such as changing oceanic conditions, competition with other marine reptiles, and evolving ecosystems likely contributing to their demise. Irrespective of their ultimate fate, Pliosaurs have left behind a treasure trove of fossils that continues to captivate the imagination of both scientists and enthusiasts alike.