Ancient Sea Reptiles

An acclaimed guide to the ‘monsters’ of the Mesozoic seas.

In the Mesozoic Era, while dinosaurs roamed on land, giant carnivorous reptiles ruled the seas. These enormous underwater creatures have enthralled the public imagination since Mary Anning discovered spectacular reptile skeletons on Dorset’s ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the early 1800s. Join palaeontologist Darren Naish on a tour of these incredible animals, ranging from shark-shaped ichthyosaurs and long-necked plesiosaurs to gigantic, predatory mosasaurs. Occupying roles similar to those of modern sharks, seals and whales, they filled the ancient oceans for a period of 180 million years. Naish reveals how these reptiles moved in water, the advantages of their soft tissue, skin and blubber, how their jaws were specialized for aquatic prey, and the sensory organs that enabled them to see, smell and hear underwater. Later chapters focus on each of the major lineages: the shark-shaped ichthyosaurs, the long-necked plesiosaurs, the crocodile-like thalattosuchians, the fast-swimming mosasaurs and the first sea turtles. The book is richly illustrated with photographs of striking specimens and artistic reconstructions which bring these giants of the sea to life.