In 2006, on the arctic island of Spitspergein, scientists discovered a 150 million-year-old reptile.

Nicknamed “the monster,” this enormous reptile measured up to 50 feet from its nose to its tale. Norwegian scientists also found 39 other marine reptiles on the frozen island located  in the Arctic Ocean. The fossil remains of pliosaurs, long-necked plesiosaurs, and ichthyosaurus have all been discovered on the island.

The pliosaur’s body has a “tear drop-shape” and a short neck. It also has two sets of flippers that could help it shoot across the water at high speeds,  allowing the animal to hunt in treacherous waters nearly effortless.

One characteristic that especially interests scientists is the unbelievable size and apparent strength of the pliosaur’s jaws.

According to Angela Milner, associate keeper of paleontology at London’s Natural History Museum “A large pliosaur was big enough to pick up a small car in its jaws and bite it in half.”

The other two types of fossils found were from the ichthyosaurus, a similar figure to the present-day dolphin, and the long-necked plesiosaurs, which resembles the mythical Loch Ness monster.

Black shale, a certain type of fine-grain sedimentary rock covered the remains. The well-preserved pliosaur is expected to be excavated by researchers later this year.

[Source: BBC News]