We tend to assume that most of the creatures roaming the earth during the Mesozoic era were dinosaurs. In fact, there are many animals that we think of as dinosaurs but aren’t - often those that inhabited the skies and seas of our planet. Here are seven prehistoric beasts that are just as famous as some of the dinosaurs, but were different species altogether.

1. Pterodactylus

Pterodactylus is often thought of as a dinosaur, but was actually a type of pterosaur. These flying reptiles lived during the Late Jurassic and are distinct from flying dinosaurs, having wing membranes rather than feathers. Pterodactylus was quite small compared to other pterosaurs, and had a long beak filled with teeth.

2. Quetzalcoatlus

One of the largest and last pterosaurs, Quetzalcoatlus lived at the end of the Late Cretaceous. It’s thought to have been up to five metres tall with a wingspan of up to 11 metres and, like Pterodactylus, had no feathers. Instead, its body was covered in hair.

3. Plesiosaurs

Plesiosaurs, although often assumed to be dinosaurs, were in fact marine reptiles with flippers, which inhabited the oceans until the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period. Unlike dinosaurs, which laid eggs, they are thought to have given birth to live young - like modern-day whales and dolphins.

4. Megalodon

Megolodon sounds like it should be a dinosaur - especially when you consider that it was the largest predator of the prehistoric world. In fact, it is believed to be the ancestor of modern great white sharks, sitting at the top of the food chain for 20 million years. It had a cartilaginous body, grew to perhaps 25 metres long, and had seven-inch teeth.

5. Dimetrodon

Like the more famous Spinosaurus, animals in the genus Dimetrodon were recognisable for their huge sails, which extended along their backs. These creatures were not dinosaurs though - they actually went extinct some 60 million years before the dinosaurs reigned and, amazingly, were more closely related to mammals than reptiles. 

6. Mosasaurs

While these aquatic beasts belonged to the reptile class, they were part of a completely different family. They’re more closely related to modern lizards and snakes, while dinosaurs are closest to birds. The Mosasaurs had flippers, short necks and massive jaws - and measured up to 15 metres long.

7. Deinosuchus

While dinosaurs ruled the land, these creatures ruled the rivers and swamps of the Late Cretaceous. They were ancestors of today’s crocodiles and alligators, but far outsized them, being up to 12 metres long. They lived in fresh or brackish water and are thought to have taken 35 years to reach maturity.

Discover dinosaurs this season

If you’re looking for a fun-filled dinosaur experience, don’t miss the Dinosaur World England and Ireland tour this October. Introduce your family to the magic of the Mesozoic era with this award-winning show, aimed at kids aged three and up, and full of facts about some of prehistory’s most exciting dinosaurs. Browse dates and venues, as well as Dinosaur World prices online and book today to join the fun.