Kraken-like octopuses may have been top predators during the Cretaceous
AP News
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The top predator prowling the seas during the age of the dinosaurs 100 million years ago may have been an octopus.
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Their bodies extended more than 60 feet, rivaling other carnivorous marine reptiles.
It's difficult for scientists studying ancient octopuses to figure out exactly how big they got because their soft bodies don’t preserve well.
In a new study, researchers used fossil jaws to estimate the creatures' size and what they might have eaten.
The findings were published Thursday in the journal Science.
Giant Octopus Fossils Discovered
- Giant, 60-foot octopuses were apex predators 100 million years ago, fossil discovery shows CNN —
- The real-life KRAKEN: Giant octopuses the same size as sperm whales roamed the oceans 72 million years ago, study finds Daily Mail —
- Monstrous octopus terrorized seas off B.C. in Age of Dinosaurs, study suggests CBC —
- Massive kraken-like octopus may have ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs The Globe and Mail —
- A massive kraken-like octopus may have prowled the seas during the age of dinosaurs The Independent —