Extinction is a sad and tragic phenomenon that threatens the biodiversity and balance of life on Earth. However, some extinct animals were so terrifying and dangerous that we might be relieved that they are no longer around. Here are some examples of animals you will be glad have gone extinct.
1. Megalodon
Megalodon was a gigantic shark that lived from 23 to 3 million years ago. It was the largest and most powerful predator that ever lived, reaching up to 18 meters (59 feet) in length and weighing up to 50 tons. It had a massive jaw with rows of serrated teeth that could bite through bone and flesh with ease. It preyed on whales, seals, dolphins, and other large marine animals. Megalodon was the ultimate killing machine of the oceans.
2. Titanoboa
Titanoboa was a colossal snake that lived from 60 to 58 million years ago. It was the largest snake that ever existed, measuring up to 13 meters (43 feet) in length and weighing up to 1.25 tons. It could crush and swallow prey as large as crocodiles and turtles with its powerful muscles and jaws. Titanoboa ruled the swamps and rivers of South America after the dinosaurs went extinct.
3. Arthropleura
Arthropleura was a giant millipede-like arthropod that lived from 345 to 295 million years ago. It was the largest land invertebrate that ever lived, reaching up to 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) in length and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in width. It had a segmented body covered with armor plates and numerous legs. It fed on plants and decomposing matter, but it could also defend itself with its size and spines. Arthropleura roamed the forests of North America and Europe during the Carboniferous period.
4. Spinosaurus
Spinosaurus was a huge dinosaur that lived from 112 to 93 million years ago. It was the largest carnivorous dinosaur that ever lived, surpassing even Tyrannosaurus rex in size. It measured up to 15 meters (49 feet) in length and weighed up to 9 tons. It had a distinctive sail-like structure on its back that may have been used for thermoregulation or display. It also had a long crocodile-like snout with conical teeth for catching fish and other aquatic prey. Spinosaurus was a semi-aquatic predator that hunted both on land and in water.
5. Haast’s Eagle
Haast’s eagle was a massive bird of prey that lived from 1280 to 1400 CE. It was the largest eagle that ever lived, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters (10 feet) and a weight of up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). It had powerful talons and a sharp beak that could pierce through the skulls of its prey. It preyed on large flightless birds such as moas, which could weigh up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds). Haast’s eagle was the apex predator of New Zealand until humans arrived and hunted it to extinction.
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