"'This extensive wear suggests dynamic crushing of hard skeletons,' the team, from Hokkaido University, wrote in the journal Science."
"'With a calculated total length of (up to) 62 feet (19m) these octopuses may represent the largest invertebrates thus described, rivalling contemporaneous giant marine reptiles.'"
"'They evolved to have soft bodies instead of protective shells, which may have given them unprecedented mobility, vision and intelligence.'"
Research reveals that colossal octopuses, up to 62 feet long, dominated the Late Cretaceous seas. They competed with apex predators like mosasaurs. Two new species were identified, including Nanaimoteuthis haggarti, known for its powerful bites and advanced hunting techniques. These octopuses had soft bodies, enhancing their mobility and intelligence. The findings suggest they were dynamic carnivores, capable of crushing hard shells. Another species, Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi, reached lengths of 26 feet. These discoveries highlight the significant role of these invertebrates in ancient marine ecosystems.
Read at Mail Online
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