Unveiling the Terrifying Majesty of the Prehistoric Sea Monster
Once the rulers of the vast, primeval oceans, the elusive Epaulette reigned with fearsome prowess. Residing in the ancient seas, they were a menacing force to be reckoned with, feared for their formidable hunting skills and jaw-dropping size.
An astonishing fossil discovery on the UK's Jurassic Coast has brought this ancient terror back to the surface. Dating back 150 million years, this fossil excavation is roughly 3 million years younger than previously discovered Epaulette fossils. The intriguing remains are currently being examined, leaving experts and enthusiasts alike on tenterhooks as to whether this new discovery may break scientific ground.
Indeed, this exquisite find is set to delight audiences in the upcoming BBC documentary, "Attenborough and the Jurassic Sea Monster," set to air on PBS on Feb 14, 2022. Hosted by the legendary natural historian, Sir David Attenborough, this documentary promises an exhilarating and enlightening voyage into the world of the prehistoric sea.
The recently disinterred specimen is an incredible sight to behold. Measuring over 6 feet in length, its massive skull weighs more than half a ton. And while the Guinness World Records lists the largest recorded Epaulette as measuring 15 meters, it's a daunting thought to imagine just how terrifying this unfettered beast was in its prime.
The process of excavating this treasure trove of ancient history was a perilous endeavor. Lead local paleontologist, Steve Etches, shared with CNN that the fossil was buried deep within the cliffs, some 11 meters above ground and 15 meters out from the edge. Unfavorable weather conditions and the looming threat of summer storms that would wash away the cliffs and jeopardize the preservation of the precious find, added an extra layer of urgency to Etches and his team's efforts.
The discovery of the Epaulette's skull was a serendipitous event. Etches and his colleague, Philip Jacobs, were alerted to the discovery when Jacobs found the distinct nose of an Epaulette on the beach. From that moment, they were determined to uncover the secret fate of the skull and bring it to light.
The painstaking excavation process began when Etches and his team used drones to survey the cliffs and pinpoint the exact location of the skull. After three weeks of nonstop, aerial operations and tunnel digging into the cliff face, they finally succeeded in unearthing the skull. Etches was breathtaken by the sheer audacity of their winsome endeavor:
"We only had one more day to accomplish this feat, and we scraped it in by 21:30. It's a miracle we got it out."
Etches' persistent efforts to restore the skull were fraught with moments of despair, but he ultimately managed to restore each individual bone, commenting on the wonders of nature that preserved the Epaulette's skull so wonderfully well.
"It's amazing that it survived in the right environment with a lot of sediment ... it sank to the bottom immediately and was buried quickly."
The Jurassic Sea Monster, a true sea terror
The newly discovered Epaulette fossil is revealing the secrets of this monstrous creature, delving into its formidable hunter capabilities and the exquisite sensory adaptations that made it such an unstoppable force in its time.
Emily Rayfield, a professor of Paleontology at the University of Bristol in the UK, featured in the documentary, stated that the bite force of the Epaulette was double that of Salzwasserkrokodil, the strongest jawed animal in the world today. In fact, Rayfield went as far as to suggest that the creature could easily squash a small car.
Andre Rowe, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Paleontology at the University of Bristol, shared his thoughts, asserting that the Epaulette was an enormous creature, possessing an uncanny ability to efficiently catch and consume any creature unfortunate enough to cross its path.
Imagining the sheer terror that this formidable beast unleashed upon the ancient oceans is a humbling reminder of the colossal and unhinged menace that once roamed the depths.
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[The Jurassic Coast, a marvel of nature, is a lasting testament to the power and beauty of Earth's ancient past and the incredible diversity of life that once called it home.]
