Overview

• Scientists have discovered a new group of extinct predators, nicknamed 'terror beasts' or Timorebestia, in Greenland.
• The Timorebestia, which lived more than 500 million years ago, were among the largest swimming animals of their time, growing up to 30cm in length.
• The creatures had a distinct head with long antennae and massive jaw structures, as well as fins on the sides of their body.
• The discovery is based on 13 fossils found in North Greenland, some of which contained evidence of food, specifically bivalved arthropods, called Isoxys.
• Experts believe that the Timorebestia were the dominant predators in the oceans before arthropods took over, and their discovery could provide insights into the evolution of early animal ecosystems.