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Ancient Colombian Ecosystem Reveals Giant Marine Predators

11/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

McGill University researchers uncovered a complex prehistoric ecosystem in Colombia's Paja Formation dating back to the Cretaceous period.
The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, describes a food web with giant marine reptiles, including pliosaurs ten meters long.
The seventh trophic level surpasses modern apex predators, indicating rich Mesozoic marine biodiversity.
The findings suggest avenues for further research on how ancient marine ecosystems shaped today’s biodiversity.

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Story summary

McGill University researchers uncovered a complex prehistoric ecosystem in Colombia's Paja Formation dating back to the Cretaceous period.
The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, describes a food web with giant marine reptiles, including pliosaurs ten meters long.
The seventh trophic level surpasses modern apex predators, indicating rich Mesozoic marine biodiversity.
The findings suggest avenues for further research on how ancient marine ecosystems shaped today’s biodiversity.