This animal, living in pre-historic era, had a jaw as big as a saltwater crocodile — the largest living reptile on Earth
Fossils show Kronosaurus reached around 9–11 meters long (30–36 ft), though some early estimates stretched it to about 12 m. Its skull was enormous, between 2.2 to 2.85 m long, similar in scale to the largest living reptiles like saltwater crocodiles.
A jaw dug up in Australia measured a frightening 1.6 m, and it packed double the bite force of today's crocodiles. This beast's teeth were conical and up to 30 cm long, built for crushing shells and slicing through tough prey.
More than just a big head, Kronosaurus had four strong flippers and a sturdy body, making it a fast and powerful swimmer. It hunted everything from giant squid and ammonites to even other marine reptiles like turtles and plesiosaurs.
Scientists found fossilised tooth marks on plesiosaur remains, proving Kronosaurus could take down hefty prey.
Beefy, bold, and built for hunting, the dino was named in 1924 by Heber Longman after the fearsome Greek Titan Kronos, this marine titan first surfaced from a jaw fragment in Queensland . A nearly whole skeleton was sent to Harvard in 1932. While that display earned 'Plasterosaurus' its nickname, later studies confirmed Kronosaurus was every bit as fearsome as imagined.
During the Early Cretaceous era, much of central Australia was covered by the Eromanga Sea, a warm inland ocean. Kronosaurus ruled these waters, similar to how the saltwater crocodiles dominate today.
For paleontologists, the Kronosaurus is a window into Earth's prehistoric oceans.
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Think crocodiles are scary? Meet Kronosaurus: The prehistoric giant with a jaw to match
If you think today's saltwater crocodiles are frightening, imagine something even bigger, faster, and stronger swimming beneath you in a sea that once covered most of inland Australia. Meet Kronosaurus queenslandicus, a marine reptile that ruled the Eromanga Sea over 100 million years ago. With a skull stretching up to 2.3 metres and a jaw measuring 1.6 metres, this apex predator had a bite twice as powerful as today's strongest crocodiles. Kronosaurus: A jaw-dropping discovery In 2015, a 1.6 m-long lower jawbone of Kronosaurus was unearthed by a farmer in Queensland, the most complete jaw of the species ever found. Palaeontologists studying it confirmed that this massive marine reptile packed a bite strong enough to crush shells, snap through thick bones, and tear into other marine reptiles. And with teeth up to 30 cm long, it didn't just bite, it shredded. According to Guinness World Records, this gives Kronosaurus the strongest known bite force of any marine reptile in history. Kronosaurus and its pliosaur cousins didn't just look scary, they were among the most powerful predators in history. With jaws that could crush bone with up to 48,000 Newtons of force, they out-bit even today's saltwater crocodiles by more than double. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Bigger than a crocodile, built for speed According to Australian Geographic, while saltwater crocodiles grow to about 6–7 metres and weigh up to a tonne, Kronosaurus could reach up to 10–11 metres in length and weigh an estimated 11 tonnes. But it wasn't just about size , Kronosaurus had four powerful 2-metre-long flippers, helping it rocket through prehistoric seas like a torpedo. It likely ambushed prey from below, feasting on giant squid, ammonites, turtles, and even other massive marine reptiles like plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. In fact, fossilised bite marks found on an elasmosaur skull (another marine reptile) suggest Kronosaurus wasn't picky about its prey, if it moved, it was lunch. Australia's ancient sea monster—Kronosaurus During the Cretaceous period, much of what we now know as Queensland was submerged beneath the Eromanga Sea—a vast inland ocean that split Australia in two. While dinosaurs roamed the land, creatures like Kronosaurus dominated the water. This terrifying titan was first named in 1924 by Heber Longman of the Queensland Museum, after a fragment of jaw was discovered near Hughenden. Later, a full skeleton collected by Harvard researchers in 1932 helped build our modern image of this marine beast, though that specimen was initially reconstructed a bit too generously at 12 metres long (thanks to a few extra vertebrae). How scientists see Kronosaurus today The species Kronosaurus queenslandicus was first formally described in 1924 by Australian museum director Albert Heber Longman, who named it after the Greek Titan Cronus (Kronos) and the state of Queensland, where its fossils were discovered. The original find—a large fragment of lower jaw—was impressive in size but limited in scope. Even so, by comparing it to related marine predators, scientists estimated the creature reached up to 12 metres in length. Today, thanks to continued fossil discoveries and advances in palaeontology, scientists are certain that Kronosaurus was no prehistoric myth. With its torpedo-shaped body, enormous skull, and a bite force nearly double that of a saltwater crocodile, it ranks among the deadliest marine predators to have ever lived. 'In terms of size, they are some of the biggest,' says Leslie Noe, palaeontologist at the University of the Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, describing Kronosaurus' fearsome proportions. Part shark, part crocodile, and pure sea monster—Kronosaurus was an apex predator you definitely wouldn't want to swim with. Also Read | Why a muslim devotee is remembered in Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
This animal, living in pre-historic era, had a jaw as big as a saltwater crocodile — the largest living reptile on Earth
Picture something the size of a school bus, cruising through seas, in the time of dinosaurs, with a mouth one would dread to meet. That was Kronosaurus queenslandicus, the apex predator of its time. Fossils show Kronosaurus reached around 9–11 meters long (30–36 ft), though some early estimates stretched it to about 12 m. Its skull was enormous, between 2.2 to 2.85 m long, similar in scale to the largest living reptiles like saltwater crocodiles. A jaw dug up in Australia measured a frightening 1.6 m, and it packed double the bite force of today's crocodiles. This beast's teeth were conical and up to 30 cm long, built for crushing shells and slicing through tough prey. More than just a big head, Kronosaurus had four strong flippers and a sturdy body, making it a fast and powerful swimmer. It hunted everything from giant squid and ammonites to even other marine reptiles like turtles and plesiosaurs. Scientists found fossilised tooth marks on plesiosaur remains, proving Kronosaurus could take down hefty prey. Beefy, bold, and built for hunting, the dino was named in 1924 by Heber Longman after the fearsome Greek Titan Kronos, this marine titan first surfaced from a jaw fragment in Queensland . A nearly whole skeleton was sent to Harvard in 1932. While that display earned 'Plasterosaurus' its nickname, later studies confirmed Kronosaurus was every bit as fearsome as imagined. During the Early Cretaceous era, much of central Australia was covered by the Eromanga Sea, a warm inland ocean. Kronosaurus ruled these waters, similar to how the saltwater crocodiles dominate today. For paleontologists, the Kronosaurus is a window into Earth's prehistoric oceans.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Nostradamus' death anniversary 2025: 5 Nostradamus predictions that still raise eyebrows
Nostradamus' death anniversary 2025: 5 Nostradamus predictions that still raise eyebrows Michel de Nostredame, more commonly known as Nostradamus, remains one of the most enigmatic and frequently discussed figures in the history of prophecy and mysticism. Born in 1503 and passing away on July 2, 1566, the French astrologer, physician, and seer is best remembered for his cryptic verses compiled in Les Prophéties, a collection of over 900 quatrains published in 1555. These poetic predictions have been the subject of extensive interpretation, analysis, and speculation, often being linked to major world events ranging from natural disasters to wars and political upheavals. Despite living in the 16th century, Nostradamus's influence continues to thrive in modern literature, media, conspiracy theories, and popular culture. His work has fascinated generations, with some hailing him as a prophetic genius, while others regard his writings as vague generalizations open to interpretation. Nonetheless, his historical footprint as a seer remains widely recognized and debated. Nostradamus early life and career in medicine Born in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, Nostradamus was trained in classical studies before studying medicine at the University of Montpellier. He initially gained recognition not for prophecy, but for his work as a physician during recurring plague outbreaks. His unconventional remedies—relying on hygiene, herbal treatments, and avoiding bloodletting—won him respect in several communities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rosario : SUV Clearance Sale, Click Here To See Prices SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now Undo However, despite his medical background, he was barred from completing his doctorate because of his early career as an apothecary, a profession considered manual labor and therefore unsuitable for doctors under university rules. How tragedy turned Nostradamus toward prophecy Nostradamus's path toward mysticism and prophecy was catalyzed by personal tragedy. In the 1530s, he lost his wife and two children to the plague. Deeply affected by the loss and unable to save his family, he left his medical practice and began traveling across Europe. During these years, he explored various esoteric traditions, including astrology, numerology, and alchemy. These experiences laid the foundation for his later work in prophecy. In 1555, Nostradamus published the first edition of Les Prophéties, a collection of rhymed quatrains grouped in 'centuries,' or sets of 100 verses. The work was cryptic and composed in a mix of French, Latin, Greek, and Occitan, likely designed to obscure meanings and avoid accusations of heresy or sorcery from religious authorities. The widespread availability of the printing press helped propel his book into public consciousness across Europe. Nostradamus's popularity surged after one of his quatrains was interpreted as predicting the death of King Henry II of France. Following the king's fatal jousting accident in 1559—three years after the prophecy was written—Catherine de' Medici, the queen consort, took a keen interest in his work. She invited him to serve as her royal advisor, cementing his status as a renowned seer within European courts. 5 chilling Nostradamus predictions people believe came true The Great Fire of London (1666) : One of Nostradamus's quatrains states: 'The blood of the just will be demanded of London, burnt by fire in the year '66.' This line is widely interpreted as a reference to the Great Fire of London, which occurred in 1666 and destroyed large parts of the city. While fires were not uncommon in timber-built cities, the specific mention of London and the year make the connection particularly striking. The Rise of Adolf Hitler : In one quatrain, Nostradamus mentions a figure called 'Hister.' Although 'Hister' is actually the Latin name for the Danube River, many believe it was a cryptic reference to Adolf Hitler. The same quatrain speaks of 'a child born of poor people' and 'a great leader of Germany,' which has led some to associate it with Hitler's ascent and the devastation caused by World War II. The French Revolution : Verses describing 'From the enslaved populace, songs, chants and demands' and 'heads chopped off' are commonly linked to the French Revolution. This era of political and social upheaval in the late 18th century was marked by widespread executions by guillotine and the collapse of the French monarchy. The Death of Princess Diana : Some of Nostradamus's writings are interpreted as foretelling the death of Princess Diana in a 1997 car accident. While her name is not mentioned directly, phrases such as 'a great woman will fall' and 'a sudden event' have been connected to the circumstances surrounding her passing. The September 11 Attacks : A quatrain that references 'two steel birds' and 'a great tower falling' has often been linked to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Though scholars debate the authenticity and exact translation of the verse, references to a 'New City' and 'earthshaking fire' have fueled speculation that Nostradamus foresaw the tragedy. Although there is no scholarly consensus on the accuracy or specificity of these interpretations, the continued association of Nostradamus's work with major events underscores its cultural impact. How Nostradamus wrote his predictions in secret codes Nostradamus claimed not to be a prophet in the traditional sense. He described his visions as coming to him through meditative or trance-like states. He would often stare into bowls of water or flames—practices rooted in scrying, a common form of divination at the time. To protect himself from the Inquisition and religious scrutiny, he encoded his prophecies using metaphor, symbolism, and multiple languages, making his verses intentionally vague. During World War II, Nostradamus's quatrains were used for psychological warfare. Nazi operatives printed leaflets citing selected verses to suggest an inevitable German victory, attempting to demoralize the French. In response, Allied forces produced counter-propaganda using Nostradamus's predictions to forecast German defeat. This manipulation highlighted the interpretive flexibility—and political utility—of his work. Nostradamus in the modern age Nostradamus's legacy continues into the 21st century. From the tragic death of Princess Diana—linked by some to predictions about 'a great woman who will fall'—to fears surrounding 'apocalyptic' prophecies like the one misinterpreted to predict the end of the world in July 1999, his name surfaces regularly in media discussions, particularly during global crises or moments of uncertainty. His writings have inspired countless books, documentaries, and even fictional portrayals in television and film. Despite advancements in science and rational thought, his verses still captivate individuals seeking guidance or insight into the future. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
