The Ancient Predator Encyclopedia: From Theropods to Pterosaurs and Marine Reptiles.

When most people think of carnivorous dinosaurs, they picture Theropods (beast-footed dinosaurs) like the colossal Tyrannosaurus, Allosaurus, and Tarbosaurus, who rushed across the land on powerful legs.

Tyrannosaurus

However, the ancient Earth was also home to an astonishing variety of other carnivores beyond these terrestrial rulers.

The Carnivores That Ruled the Skies

The ancient skies, not just the land, were a major stage for carnivorous animals.

Pterosaurs

Pterosaurs, represented by Quetzalcoatlus and Pteranodon, are believed to have hunted for prey while flying freely through the air.

Pteranodon

Rhamphorhynchoids were smaller than Pterodactyls and are thought to have possessed greater maneuverability.

Paleo-Birds

Archaeopteryx, an ancestor of modern birds, also existed during this era, and they were carnivorous, primarily feeding on fish and insects.

Archaeopteryx

Rulers of the Sea: Marine Reptiles

The ancient oceans were populated by numerous marine reptiles that primarily ate fish and other aquatic animals, much like modern sharks.

These were ferocious hunters, with streamlined, fish-like bodies and large, crocodile-like mouths.

Mosasaurus

Summary

Thus, the ancient Earth was a world where super-large carnivores thrived, having evolved uniquely in every domain: on land, in the air, and in the sea.