Fun Megalneusaurus Facts For Kids

Moumita Dutta
Oct 20, 2022 By Moumita Dutta
Originally Published on Apr 11, 2022
Edited by Luca Demetriou
Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao
Here are some amazing Megalneusaurus facts that you probably did not know.

A dinosaur is primarily thought of to be a humongous reptile that inhabited land. However, there were several marine reptiles as well that co-existed with dinosaurs such as plesiosaurs.

Similarly, Megalneusaurus was a distinct carnivore marine reptile that belonged to the family of a pliosaur. From the remains of the specimen that has been discovered, it is inferred that the species belonged to the Late Jurassic period.

The genus Megalneusaurus consists of only one type species, Megalneusaurus rex, and their identification is generated by pieces of the ribs, pectoral girdle, fore-paddle, and vertebrae. Another specimen that was discovered from southern Alaska has been considered as Megalnesaurus which is smaller in size.

Megalneusaurus Interesting Facts

How do you pronounce 'Megalneusaurus'?

This genus of pliosaur was discovered in 1895 and was named Megalneudaurus which refers to 'great swimming lizard king'. It is pronounced as 'Meh-guh-luh-saw-ruhs'. It has only one type species, Megalneusaurus rex.

What type of dinosaur was a Megalneusaurus?

The marine reptiles were different from the existing dinosaurs on land. Megalneusaurus rex is not a dinosaur species although it belongs to the same class, phylum, and kingdom. Besides that, Megalneusaurus rex belongs to the superorder Sauropterygia, family Pliosauridae and clade Thalassophonea.

In which geological period did the Megalneusaurus roam the Earth?

Megalnesaurus lived in the Kimmeridgian age of the Late Jurassic.

When did the Megalneusaurus become extinct?

It is unknown when it went Extinct.

Where did Megalneusaurus live?

The Sundance Formation which is situated in Wyoming, United States was inhabited by Megalneusaurus rex.

What was the Megalneusaurus's habitat?

The habitat of Megalneusarus was under the sea where the water was comparatively warm as they hunted and dwelled in the same habitat. Besides Megalneusaurus rex, there were other species, too.

Who did the Megalneusaurus live with?

The social behavior of Megalneusaurus is not properly explained due to the lack of data.

How long did a Megalneusaurus live?

The average lifespan of Megalneusaurus is not listed.

How did they reproduce?

The mating behavior, process, gestation period, clutch size has not been documented yet.

Megalneusaurus Fun Facts

What did the Megalneusaurus look like?

Due to insufficient data, it is difficult to provide a detailed description of the Megalneusaurus. However, they were big reptiles. Its length is thought to be 25-32 ft (7.6-9.7 m). Most pliosaurs were characterized by their short neck, extended head, and sharp teeth.

We've been unable to source an image of Megalneusarus and have used an image of Kronosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Megalneusarus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

How many bones did a Megalneusaurus have?

Only a partial pectoral girdle, besides the vertebrae, fore paddle, and ribs were discovered from which is hard to estimate the accurate number of bones presented in Megalneusaurus.

How did they communicate?

The communication skill of Megalneusaurus is not known.

How big was the Megalneusaurus?

Megalneusaurus rex was comparatively big and the initial fossil that was discovered was assumed to be 25-32 ft (7.6-9.7 m).

How fast could a Megalneusaurus swim?

The speed is not determined.

How much did a Megalneusaurus weigh?

The weight of Megalneusaurus is not known.

What were the male and female names of the species?

Names of male and female species is not listed.

What would you call a baby Megalneusaurus?

The name of baby Megalneusaurus can be hatchling.

How aggressive were they?

The temperament or nature is not documented.

Did You Know…

This animal is not a dinosaur.

Megalneusaurus was named by the distinguished paleontologist named by W. C. Knight.

It is not known if they were slimy or had a tendency to bite.

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Written by Moumita Dutta

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

Moumita Dutta picture

Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.

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Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

Pradhanya Rao picture

Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.

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