7 Bizarre Prehistoric Versions of Modern-Day Animals
Prehistoric times were filled with all sorts of strange and bizarre creatures, some of which have no modern-day equivalents. Here are 7 examples of prehistoric versions of modern-day animals that are truly bizarre:
#7 Platybelodons, aka Elephants With Giant Trunk-Mouths:
Platybelodons were prehistoric elephants that lived in what is now Asia and Europe around 20 million years ago. These strange-looking creatures had long, protruding lower jaws that were used as an elongated snout or trunk for feeding.
#6 Helicoprion, aka the WTF-Mouthed Shark:
Helicoprion was a prehistoric shark that lived around 290 million years ago. This bizarre-looking creature had a spiral of teeth that protruded from its lower jaw, which it likely used to catch and shred its prey.
#5 Kaprosuchus saharicus, aka Long-Legged Crocodiles:
Kaprosuchus saharicus was a crocodile-like creature that lived in what is now Africa around 100 million years ago. Unlike modern crocodiles, Kaprosuchus had long, slender legs that allowed it to run quickly on land, making it a formidable predator both in the water and on land.
#4 Synthetoceras, aka Horned Horses:
Synthetoceras was a strange-looking prehistoric horse that lived in North America around 20 million years ago. This horse had a pair of long, curved horns protruding from its head and is thought to have used them for defense or mating displays.
#3 Odontochelys semitestacea, aka Shell-Less Turtles:
While most modern turtles have a hard shell to protect their bodies, Odontochelys semitestacea had no such protection. This prehistoric turtle lived around 220 million years ago in what is now China and is thought to be one of the first turtles to ever exist.
#2 Odobenocetops, aka Walrus-Face Whale:
Odobenocetops was a prehistoric whale with a strange-looking face that resembled that of a walrus. This odd-looking creature lived in the waters around South America around 10 million years ago and is thought to have used its unique face to suck up small fish and crustaceans from the ocean floor.
#1 Gigantopithecus, aka Sasquatch:
Gigantopithecus was an enormous ape that lived in Asia between 9 million and 100,000 years ago. This massive primate stood up to 10 feet tall and weighed up to 1,200 pounds, making it the largest primate to ever exist. While it may not be the mythical Sasquatch, it’s still a fascinating creature that once roamed the earth.
prehistoric times were home to some truly bizarre creatures that are unlike anything we see today. From the Sasquatch-like Gigantopithecus to the long-legged crocodile-like Kaprosuchus, these animals were truly unique and a testament to the diversity of life that once existed on Earth.
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