Amateur fossil hunters helped discover evidence of a Cretaceous Era food chain in the Australian Outback. More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. In the Eromanga Sea, it was eat or be eaten. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy .

Science Biology Evolution Jurassic'sword dragon' uncovered in England The'Xiphodracon goldencapensis' or'Sword Dragon of Dorset' skeleton was found with traces of its last meal inside. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. The 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast off of England's southeastern shore near Dorset continues to live up to its name. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the backdrop of dinosaur documentaries featuring beloved historian and naturalist Sir David Attenborough for its numerous discoveries including the mighty ichthyosaur. These prehistoric marine reptiles once stalked ancient oceans and thousands of their fossils have been found in this one spot of English soil since the days of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning .

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. More than 180 million years ago, ichthyosaurs ruled the early Jurassic oceans. The carnivorous marine reptiles ranged from the size of a briefcase to larger than a school bus. The biggest of these whale-like creatures were apex predators, hunting ancient fish, ammonites, and even their smaller reptile relatives. As they searched for prey, some may have swum with surprising stealth.