Two new species that ruled the ancient oceans as crocodile-sized apex predators have been uncovered in NSW.
The huge creatures were apex predators that predated dinosaursThey were among the largest arthropods to ever existAdvertisement
An artist’s impression of a species of Jaekelopterus, the largest type of sea scorpion that dominated ancient oceans as the apex predator like modern-day sharks.And he wouldn’t have discovered a new species of sea scorpion that once ruled the ancient oceans as crocodile-sized apex predators, snatching up primitive fish with sharp, spindly pincers and dominating whichever habitat they stalked long before reptiles or mammals even wriggled into existence.
Dr Patrick Smith of the Australian Museum with a fossil – roughly 400 million years old – of an ancient sea scorpion found in NSW.“They probably were the top predator in almost all ecosystems they lived in,” Smith said. “They would have been one of the biggest animals, if not the biggest, at the time.”
The species found near Orange grew to about 1.7 metres and may have lived 100 metres below ocean waves, while the kind found near Cobar inhabited swamps and was the largest arthropod that ever lived: the 2.5 metre monster Jaekelopterus.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Embattled Australian EV charge company Tritium scooped up by Indian giant7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
British sea lord assures Australian officials troubled warship program 'stabilising'Britain's visiting naval chief has declared Australia will eventually operate the world's best anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates because a closely linked shipbuilding project in the UK is now 'stabilising' after suffering damaging initial setbacks.
Read more »
ASX 200: Australian shares sink as ‘sea of red’ sweeps global marketsAustralian shares ended their worst session in more than a year on Friday after fears of a hard economic landing returned in droves in the US overnight.
Read more »
Regional airline Rex suspends trading on the ASX pending upcoming announcementRegional Australian airline Rex suspends trading on the Australian stock market pending an upcoming 'material announcement'.
Read more »
Paris Olympics: Australian hockey player arrested in Paris allegedly trying to buy cocaineAn Australian hockey player has been arrested in Paris, the Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed.
Read more »
Australian chef Maggie Beer in hospital after fall at South Australian homeIn a statement on social media on Sunday night, her family said she suffered minor bone fractures and related injuries.
Read more »