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Temnodontosaurus platyodon

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description Temnodontosaurus platyodon Overview

Temnodontosaurus platyodon was a large marine reptile belonging to the ichthyosaurs and lived during the Early Jurassic. Fossils are particularly associated with marine rocks of southern England, including the Lyme Regis area of Dorset, where Mary Anning collected important early specimens. Its elongated jaws, conical teeth, large eyes, and streamlined body identify it as an active predator of fish and other marine animals.

help Temnodontosaurus platyodon FAQ

Where are Temnodontosaurus platyodon fossils most commonly found?

The most significant Temnodontosaurus platyodon specimens come from Early Jurassic marine deposits in southern England, especially around Lyme Regis in Dorset. Mary Anning, the famous 19th-century fossil collector, discovered several important ichthyosaur fossils in this area.

How large did Temnodontosaurus platyodon get?

Temnodontosaurus platyodon was one of the larger ichthyosaurs, with some specimens reaching roughly 9 meters (about 30 feet) in length. Its robust skull and large teeth suggest it was an apex predator of Early Jurassic seas.

Is Temnodontosaurus a dinosaur?

No, Temnodontosaurus was a marine reptile belonging to the ichthyosaur group, not a dinosaur. Ichthyosaurs were fully aquatic predators that lived alongside dinosaurs but evolved separately from a different reptilian lineage.

What time period did Temnodontosaurus platyodon live in?

Temnodontosaurus platyodon lived during the Early Jurassic period, roughly 200 to 175 million years ago. Its fossils are found in marine rocks that formed when much of southern England was covered by a shallow sea.

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