6 Ancient Mega-Predators that Once Ruled the World

What were the largest predators to live on the prehistoric planet? Meet six of the massive creatures that delivered death on ancient land, sea, and sky.

By Joshua Rapp Learn
Dec 6, 2023 4:00 PM
An illustration of Arctodus simus, an ancient bear about 12 feet tall
An ancient, short-faced bear, Arctodus simus, was incredibly big, at a standing height of as many as 12 feet tall. (Credit: Daniel Eskridge/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Today's biggest predators are a fearsome force. While sperm whales dive deep into the oceans to make meals out of giant squid, orcas occasionally punch above their weight, taking on blue whales (the largest animals to ever exist). Meanwhile, polar bears and brown bears dominate the land — taking down seals and walruses on the one hand and moose and deer on the other — topping the list of large land predators alive on our planet.

But the size of ancient predators puts current carnivores to shame, with true giants swimming the oceans, flying the skies, and walking the plains and forests of the prehistoric world. Some of these behemoths are well-known from movies and books, while others are more obscure, known mostly by scientists.

Here we’ve taken a look at some of the largest mega-predators of the ancient world.


Read More: How Do Scientists Reconstruct What Dinosaurs Looked Like?

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.