Skull of a colossal 'sea rex' pliosaur monster unveiled in Dorset, UK

Dorset, a county in southwest England (UK), is set to unveil the colossal skull of a sea monster that once ruled the Jurassic Coast. Measuring a whopping two meters in length, this fossil belongs to a pliosaur a predator that once reigned as one of Earth's most fearsome creatures. Sir David Attenborough took audiences on a mesmerizing journey into this discovery through a that aired on New Year's Day.

Now, this 150 million year old marvel is making its public debut at the Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, Dorset, drawing curious eyes and eager minds to witness a glimpse of prehistoric might. Imagine stumbling upon the snout of this ancient sea giant on a beach near Kimmeridge Bay! That's how this adventure began, with a fossil enthusiast's remarkable find.

But the real challenge lay halfway down a rapidly eroding cliff face, where a daring team dangled from ropes to extract the rest of the skull. Steve Etches, the visionary behind this incredible effort, led the charge to remove and prepare the fossil. "It's going to be impressive, especially when children come because they'll come in and see it face on which should have the required effect," Etches shared with BBC News, eagerly anticipating the impact of this monumental discovery.

This pliosaur skull stands as one of the most complete and exquisitely preserved specimens ever found. Its design screams the 'ultimate killing machine' with an enormous jaw equipped with 130 razor sharp teeth and cavernous holes indicating massive muscles ready for action. Scientists estimate its bite force to rival that of a T.

Rex, earning it the nickname "sea rex." At 10 12 meters in length, this ancient reptile powered through the ocean, swiftly chasing its prey with four massive paddle like limbs. Is it a ruthless hunting strategy? A single, fatal bite, followed by swift consumption. No time for chewing, just efficient devouring! "Pliosaurs were the top of the food chain," remarked Steve Etches, emphasizing their dominance and even revealing evidence of these monsters feeding on their own kind, a chilling testament to their ferocity.

Unique features on the pliosaur skull Researchers are intrigued by the unique features of this pliosaur skull, hinting at a Yet, the race against time intensifies as the rest of the skeleton might still be locked within the Kimmeridge cliff, threatened by rapid erosion. Steve Etches is determined to rescue the remaining parts of this ancient creature before it succumbs to the relentless sea.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," he emphasizes, underlining the urgency of this remarkable excavation. The upcoming BBC special, "Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster," promises to unveil the mysteries of this awe inspiring discovery further. And for those eager to witness this ancient marvel up close, the skull will be publicly displayed at The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Dorset..