Predator X facts for kids

Predator X is the exciting nickname for a truly enormous, ancient sea reptile known as a pliosaur. Its incredible remains were first discovered in 2006 by a Norwegian scientist named Jorn Hurum. In 2008, the team dug up its massive skull, which gave scientists a lot of clues about this powerful animal.

Meet Predator X: The Giant Sea Hunter

Predator X was a type of pliosaur, which were giant marine reptiles that lived in the oceans millions of years ago. Scientists believe this creature had a bite force that was four times stronger than a Tyrannosaurus rex. It was also ten times more powerful than any modern giant predator today, like the saltwater crocodile or the great white shark. Imagine, scientists think this animal could have lifted a car in its mouth and completely crushed it!

A Jaw-Dropping Discovery

The first parts of Predator X were found in 2006. The most important discovery happened in 2008 when its huge skull was dug up. This amazing find happened in the Arctic region, which is a very cold place today. But 147 million years ago, when Predator X lived, the Arctic waters were much warmer.

Unbelievable Bite Force

The skull of Predator X showed just how powerful this creature was. Its jaws were incredibly strong. Scientists calculated that its bite force was truly astonishing. It could easily crush the bones of its prey. This made it one of the most fearsome hunters in the ancient seas.

How Big Was It?

This giant pliosaur was truly massive. It measured about 49 feet long, which is longer than a school bus! It weighed around 99,000 pounds, or 49.5 tons. That's like the weight of several elephants combined! Its huge size and powerful bite made it the top predator of its time.

Life in the Ancient Arctic

Predator X lived about 147 million years ago. This was during the Jurassic period, a time when dinosaurs roamed the land. While dinosaurs ruled the land, giant marine reptiles like Predator X ruled the oceans. Its discovery in the Arctic helps us understand what life was like in those ancient seas.

Images for kids

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  P. brachydeirus restoration

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  Cast of a flipper referred to P. brachydeirus

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  Lower jaw from France, MNHN cat.24.1, previously referred to P. brachyspondylus

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  Restoration of the skull of P. kevani

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  Teeth of P. kevani

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  P. macromerus jaw, approx. 287.5 cm in length, Oxford University Museum of Natural History

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  Paddle referred to P. grandis

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  P. rossicus restoration

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  The skull of BRSMG Cc332

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  Paddle of P. chilensis