Meet the 19-metre octopus that prowled the seas 100 million years ago
Summary
Scientists studied fossil jaws that suggest giant octopuses lived 100 million years ago and may have grown up to 19 metres long, making them the largest known invertebrates. These ancient octopuses likely hunted large marine animals and showed signs of advanced brain function.Key Facts
- The fossils come from octopuses that lived 100 million years ago, during the time of dinosaurs.
- Fossil jaws indicate these octopuses could reach a total length of about 7 to 19 metres including their arms.
- These octopuses had strong arms and jaws capable of crushing shells and bones of large prey.
- The uneven wear on the jaws suggests they preferred using one side of their body when feeding, hinting at advanced brain skills.
- Modern octopuses are intelligent and use complex hunting methods; their largest species today has an arm span of about 5.5 metres.
- Scientists believe these ancient giants were top predators, possibly eating ammonites and other marine animals.
- Exact details about their body shape, swimming speed, and diet remain unknown since no stomach fossils have been found.
- The research was conducted by scientists from Hokkaido University and published in the journal Science.
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