10 Makhluk Berikutnya yang Dianggap Mitos Namun Beneran Ada Bukti Hidupnya di Dunia 😱🌍 (Part 2)

Summary

This video explores the fascinating world of ancient creatures once considered mythical, highlighting their real existence and unique characteristics. From the strange predatory Anomalocaris of the Cambrian period to the dragon-like Tanystropheus and the giant sea lizard Mosasaurus, the video showcases a variety of creatures that blurred the line between fact and fiction. Other notable mentions include the walking whale Ambulocetus, the prehistoric deer-like Estemmenosuchus, and the terrifying Gorgonops. The video provides insight into the bizarre yet real prehistoric world, shedding light on creatures that inspired legends and myths.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anomalocaris, a predatory creature from 500 million years ago, had a long torpedo-like shape, sharp vision, and a wing-like tail, making it a fast swimmer and one of the first large predators on Earth.
• 😀 The existence of Anomalocaris was confirmed through fossils, initially thought to belong to separate species, but later identified as parts of one extraordinary creature.
• 😀 The extinct creature Hallucigenia, resembling a worm with seven long legs, puzzled scientists for years before it was identified as the ancestor of velvet worms.
• 😀 Tanystropheus, a strange reptile with an abnormally long neck, lived around 240 million years ago and may have hunted in water using its long neck to capture fish.
• 😀 Mosasaurus, a giant sea lizard not a dinosaur, lived around 82 to 66 million years ago, growing up to 17 meters in length and serving as a top predator in the oceans.
• 😀 Ambulosetus, a 'walking whale' from 43 million years ago, was a creature that could move both on land and in the sea, representing a key evolutionary link between land animals and whales.
• 😀 Estemmenosuchus, an animal with a rhinoceros-like body and crown-like horns, lived around 260 million years ago and was likely a plant eater, though its appearance could have made it seem like a mythical creature.
• 😀 Thylacosmilus, a marsupial resembling a saber-toothed tiger, lived in Argentina and is an example of convergent evolution, with continuously growing teeth and a unique skull to protect its jaws.
• 😀 Gomphotherium, a prehistoric animal with shovel-like tusks, lived around 10 to 15 million years ago and used its tusks to dig for food, once again demonstrating how extinct creatures were sometimes thought to be mythical.
• 😀 Gorgonops, a fierce predator with saber teeth and reptilian features, lived around 260 million years ago and was a transitional species between reptiles and mammals, highlighting our distant evolutionary link to these ancient creatures.

Q & A

What is Anomalocaris, and why is it important in Earth's history?

Anomalocaris, meaning 'strange shrimp,' was one of the first large predators on Earth, existing around 500 million years ago during the Cambrian period. It played a crucial role in the evolution of other animals, encouraging the development of shells and self-defense mechanisms.

How were scientists initially confused about Anomalocaris' fossils?

Scientists initially thought the body parts of Anomalocaris came from three different animals. The arms were thought to be shrimp fossils, the mouth a jellyfish, and the body a sea sponge. It wasn't until more complete fossils were found that they realized all parts belonged to a single species.

What was the unique challenge scientists faced when studying the creature Sienia?

Scientists struggled for decades to identify the correct form of Sienia, as they mistakenly assumed that its thorns were legs and its legs were tentacles. It was eventually understood to be an ancestor of modern velvet worms.

What makes the reptile Tanystropheus unique?

Tanystropheus had a neck longer than its body and tail combined, making it look like a mix between a dragon, sea snake, and dinosaur. Despite its long neck, it was likely a sea hunter that preyed on fish while lurking at the water's edge.

Is Mosasaurus a dinosaur, and why is it significant?

Mosasaurus is not a dinosaur, but rather a giant sea lizard closely related to modern monitor lizards. It was a top predator in the oceans during the late Cretaceous period, known for its strong swimming abilities and shark-like tail.

What was the role of Ambulocetus in the evolution of whales?

Ambulocetus, or the 'walking whale,' was an amphibious creature that lived about 43 million years ago. It represents an important step in whale evolution, showcasing the transition from land-dwelling to fully aquatic life.

What makes Estemmenosuchus an intriguing ancient creature?

Estemmenosuchus, resembling a deer with horns and a rhinoceros-like body, lived around 260 million years ago. Its horns were likely used for display or attracting mates, not for fighting. Despite its fierce appearance, it was a plant eater.

Why is Thalassolocus considered an example of convergent evolution?

Thalassolocus resembled a saber-toothed tiger but was actually a marsupial distantly related to kangaroos and koalas. Its similar traits to cats, like its sharp teeth, are a result of convergent evolution, where unrelated animals develop similar features due to similar lifestyles.

What did the unusual appearance of Platybelodon reveal about its behavior?

Platybelodon, with its shovel-shaped tusks, was initially thought to use them to find aquatic plants. However, it was later discovered that it used them to erode tree stumps and lived more often on dry plains than in swampy areas.

What was the significance of Gorgonops in Earth's history?

Gorgonops, which lived around 260 million years ago, was a terrifying predator with reptilian skin and saber teeth. It is classified as a transitional species from reptiles to mammals, representing a crucial point in the evolution of warm-blooded animals.

What made Hatzegopteryx a mythical creature in the eyes of ancient people?

With its wingspan of 10 meters, Hatzegopteryx was as tall as a giraffe and was considered a mythical creature due to its enormous size and fearsome appearance. It lived on an island with no large land predators and was thought to prey on small dinosaurs.