The discovery of new species of prehistoric sea monsters can bring about new insight into the evolution of some of the most bizarre creatures to ever grace our oceans. A team of scientists from the University of Bristol have identified a collection of ancient essentials in rocks from the English Channel off the coast of Dorset, which form part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
These creatures, called belemnites, lived at the same time as the giant marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Unlike the reptiles, which were all predators, belemnites were prey for the larger predators. Later on, through evolution, the belemnites evolved into a species which could outmaneuver their predators.
The newly discovered belemnite was part of an unusual group of fossils that had never been seen before. It was identified and named Eoruptiones eori by the scientists. The fossil has characteristics of both ancient and modern belemnites, suggesting that the species was a transition between the two groups. This discovery suggests that the ancient animals underwent a great deal of evolution over time.
The researchers believe that the new species could help to shed light on the evolution pathways of the prehistoric sea monsters. It will also help to fill in some details about the ecology of the Jurassic period, and help us to better understand the spread of such creatures throughout the ancient world.
The team are currently studying the fossil to help better understand how the species evolved and lived in the ancient world. Such findings will continue to help us understand the diversity of prehistoric life and the incredible animals that lived in our oceans millions of years ago.