Giant 'Kraken-Like' Octopuses Dominated Earth's Oceans 100 Million Years Ago
‘Kraken-Like’ giant octopuses as large as semi-trucks ruled oceans 100 million years ago, study finds
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
A recent study reveals that giant octopuses, potentially reaching lengths of up to 19 meters, may have been apex predators in the oceans during the Cretaceous period, challenging the belief that sharks and marine reptiles were the primary oceanic rulers. This research highlights the significant role of these ancient cephalopods in prehistoric marine ecosystems.
- 01Giant octopuses may have reached lengths comparable to semi-trucks, up to 19 meters.
- 02The study challenges the traditional view that sharks and marine reptiles dominated the oceans during the Cretaceous period.
- 03New fossil analysis techniques, such as digital fossil mining, have revealed more about ancient cephalopods.
- 04Two extinct octopus species, Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi and Nanaimoteuthis haggarti, were identified in the study.
- 05The findings suggest that these gigantic octopuses played a crucial role in ancient ocean ecosystems.
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A groundbreaking study published in the journal *Science* suggests that giant octopuses, referred to as 'kraken-like,' may have been among the top predators in Earth's oceans approximately 100 million years ago. This research challenges the long-standing belief that marine reptiles and sharks were the dominant species during the Cretaceous period. The study indicates that early octopuses could have reached lengths of up to 19 meters, similar to a semi-trailer truck. Researchers utilized a novel technique called 'digital fossil mining' to analyze fossilized jaws from Late Cretaceous sediments in Hokkaido Island, Japan. This method allowed them to uncover additional fossil remains, including those of two extinct octopus species: Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi and Nanaimoteuthis haggarti. The findings reveal that these gigantic cephalopods may have played a more significant role in ancient marine ecosystems than previously understood, suggesting a more diverse and complex food chain during the age of dinosaurs.
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