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Varanus Priscus
| Scientific Classification |
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Varanus priscus
(almost always known as "Megalania", although this
is not the correct scientific name - see below)
was a giant monitor lizard that
lived in Australia,
between about 1.6 million and 40,000 years ago. It may well have been encountered
by early aboriginal people when they first arrived in
Australia.
No complete
fossil skeletons of
Megalania have yet been found, so there is still considerable debate about the animal's size.
Some estimates say the largest individuals could have been 23 feet (7 meters) long,
whereas others put an upper limit of around 15 feet (4.5 meters).
In any case, Megalania is the largest terrestrial lizard known,
and probably fed on animals such
Diprotodon.
The name "Megalania" was chosen by
Sir Richard Owen
in 1859, he called the species "Megalania prisca" which means
"ancient great roamer". However today, "Megalania" is considered
to be a synonym for "Varanus" (the genus containing monitor lizards),
and because "Varanus" was coined first, this name takes priority.
Additionally, since "Varanus" is masculine, whereas "Megalania"
is femine, the word "prisca" needs to change to "priscus", and thus
the correct name of the species is "Varanus priscus".
Although Megalania is generally considered to be extinct,
some cryptozoologists (people who search for rumored animals
whose existence is uncertain), claim that it is possible that
there might be a small surviving population in the wilderness
areas of New Guinea or
Australia.
Varanus Priscus Timeline:
Varanus priscus were giant monitor lizards that lived in Australia between 1.6 million and 40,000 years ago
Related Information & Resources
See Also
Megalania Books
Here are some books from Amazon.com:
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By Ralph E. Molnar
Indiana University Press
Released: March 30th, 2004
Hardcover (224 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $33.99*
In Stock.*
*(As of 10:59 Pacific 3 Aug 2020 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Dragons in the Dust: The Paleobiology of the Giant Monitor Lizard Megalania- Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
- Brand: Indiana University Press
- ISBN: 0253343747
- EAN: 9780253343741
- PartNumber: Illustrated
Details:- Hardcover
- Format: Download: Adobe Reader
- Number of Pages: 224
- Author: Ralph E. Molnar
- Publication Date: March 30th, 2004
- Release Date: March 30th, 2004
Physical Description:- Size: 10.1 Inches by 7.3 Inches by 0.9 Inches
- Weight: 1.49032489112 Pounds
Click here for more information |
|
By Chris McInally
Severed Press
Released: January 7th, 2017
Paperback (164 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $9.99*
Available to ship in 1-2 days.*
*(As of 10:59 Pacific 3 Aug 2020 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Flux- Manufacturer: Severed Press
- ISBN: 192559713X
- EAN: 9781925597134
Details:- Paperback
- Number of Pages: 164
- Author: Chris McInally
- Publication Date: January 7th, 2017
- Release Date: January 7th, 2017
Physical Description:- Size: 9.0 Inches by 6.0 Inches by 0.41 Inches
- Weight: 0.55 Pounds
Click here for more information |
|
By Carol K. Lindeen
Brand: Capstone Press
Released: September 1st, 2007
Library Binding (32 pages)
 | List Price: $26.65*
Lowest Used Price: $4.79*
In Stock.*
*(As of 10:59 Pacific 3 Aug 2020 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Giant Ripper Lizard (Extinct Monsters)- Manufacturer: Capstone Press
- Brand: Brand: Capstone Press
- ISBN: 1429601159
- EAN: 9781429601153
Details:- Product Category: Library Binding
- Number of Pages: 32
- Author: Carol K. Lindeen
- Publication Date: September 1st, 2007
- Release Date: September 1st, 2007
Physical Description:- Size: 8.99999999082 Inches by 6.99999999286 Inches by 0.31102362173 Inches
- Weight: 0.59 Pounds
Features:- Used Book in Good Condition
Click here for more information |
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By STEPHEN DEDMAN
Megalania Books
Kindle Edition (444 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $2.99*
Available for download now.*
*(As of 10:59 Pacific 3 Aug 2020 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
IMMUNITY- Manufacturer: Megalania Books
Details:- Kindle Edition
- Format: Kindle eBook
- Number of Pages: 444
- Authors: STEPHEN DEDMAN, Stephen Dedman
Click here for more information |
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