Liopleurodon

sea reptile · Jurassic · predator · extinct

Massive ocean hunter. Liopleurodon was a plesiosaur, a type of sea reptile that ruled the oceans during the Jurassic period, roughly 165 to 150 million years ago. It was a carnivore, meaning it hunted and ate other sea creatures.

Found in Europe. Fossils of Liopleurodon have been discovered mostly in Europe, with scientists finding skeletons and other remains. One fossil was even found in Mexico, showing this creature lived across different ocean regions.

Fearsome predator. The name Liopleurodon means 'smooth-sided tooth,' which describes its sharp teeth that helped it catch fish and other marine animals. It was built for hunting in the ancient seas.

Mystery from a tooth. Scientists have learned about Liopleurodon mostly from fossils, but the original main specimen is just a single tooth, which makes it tricky to study. Researchers are still working to understand exactly what made this creature special among its relatives.