In the wake of Earth’s most devastating mass extinction 252 million years ago, when volcanic eruptions in Siberia released massive amounts of greenhouse gases and wiped out 95% of marine species, an extraordinary story of resilience and evolution unfolded in the world’s oceans.

During the following Triassic period, a remarkable group of predators emerged to dominate the seas: the ichthyosaurs. These dolphin-shaped giants evolved from land-dwelling ancestors to become the ultimate marine predators, growing to colossal sizes that would rival today’s blue whales.

Scientists around the world are piecing together an incredible puzzle, discovering fossils that tell the tale of these magnificent creatures. From China to Canada, from Nevada to the Italian Alps, researchers are unearthing remains of increasingly massive ichthyosaurs, culminating in the discovery of a 108-foot (32.8-meter) giant in British Columbia – potentially larger than any blue whale ever recorded.

These ancient sea dragons developed fascinating hunting strategies, from powerful suction feeding mechanisms to remarkable deep-diving capabilities. Unlike modern filter-feeding whales, they were opportunistic predators that could tackle prey nearly their own size. Their warm-blooded physiology and specialized adaptations allowed them to conquer every marine environment on the planet.

As our world faces another period of climate change, the story of these Triassic giants provides crucial insights into how life adapts to extreme environmental shifts – and serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that rapid temperature changes can have on Earth’s largest creatures.