Sea reptile is biggest on record (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Paul Rincon
Science reporter, BBC News

A fossilised "sea monster" unearthed on an Arctic island is the largest marine reptile known to science, Norwegian scientists have announced.

The 150 million-year-old specimen was found on Spitspergen, in the Arctic island chain of Svalbard, in 2006.

The Jurassic-era leviathan is one of 40 sea reptiles from a fossil "treasure trove" uncovered on the island.

Nicknamed "The Monster", the immense creature would have measured 15m (50ft) from nose to tail.

And during the last field expedition, scientists discovered the remains of another so-called pliosaur which is thought to belong to the same species as The Monster - and may have been just as colossal.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7264856.stm

An ancient reptile emerges from the melting ice ... sounds like the plot of a movie.

Whenever I see a headline like this, I always have a little "Calvin & Hobbes" moment when I say, "Aw, it's only a fossil!".

[Rob H.]

1. Man, what a wicked-looking beastie

Artist's conception:



And from the article: "A large pliosaur was big enough to pick up a small car in its jaws and bite it in half." :scared:

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. "Aw, it's only a fossil!"

My exact thought, after that headline - hoping for some previously undiscovered marine reptile.

Hey, it's a big ocean. It could happen!

[CoffeeCat]

3. Wow, that's so cool...

Thanks for posting this.

I've been into dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures since I was a tot.

This is a real treat. Thanks.

Love the picture too! Wouldn't want to see that thing through my scuba mask!