Discovery of New Mosasaur Species, Tylosaurus rex, Unveils Ancient Marine Predator
There's a new T. rex in town! New species of mosasaur measuring 43 FEET long terrorised the ancient seas
Image: Mail Online
A new species of mosasaur, Tylosaurus rex, measuring 43 feet long, has been identified, revealing it as a dominant predator of ancient seas in Texas 80 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on the diversity and aggressive nature of mosasaurs, challenging previous perceptions of these marine reptiles.
- 01Tylosaurus rex, a new species of mosasaur, could grow up to 43 feet (13.1 meters) long, making it a top predator in its environment.
- 02The fossil remains were misidentified for decades until Dr. Amelia Zietlow recognized them as a new species during her research at the American Museum of Natural History.
- 03Tylosaurus rex had unique serrated teeth and strong jaw muscles, allowing it to prey on various marine creatures, including other mosasaurs.
- 04Evidence suggests Tylosaurus rex exhibited aggressive behavior towards its own species, with fossils showing signs of violent interactions.
- 05This discovery contributes to a better understanding of mosasaur evolution, highlighting a previously underestimated diversity within this group.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Palaeontologists have identified a new species of mosasaur named Tylosaurus rex, which could reach lengths of 43 feet (13.1 meters), making it one of the largest marine reptiles of its time. This creature dominated the ancient seas of Texas around 80 million years ago, preying on various marine life. The fossil remains, previously misidentified as Tylosaurus proriger, were recognized by Dr. Amelia Zietlow during her research at the American Museum of Natural History. Tylosaurus rex possessed strong jaw and neck muscles, along with serrated teeth, indicating it was a formidable predator. Furthermore, evidence suggests that this species displayed aggressive tendencies, often engaging in violent confrontations with its own kind, as seen in the fossils that show significant injuries. This discovery not only reveals the predatory nature of Tylosaurus rex but also challenges the notion of mosasaurs as a less diverse group, indicating a complex evolutionary history.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The discovery of Tylosaurus rex enhances the understanding of marine ecosystems in ancient Texas.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you find most fascinating about the discovery of Tylosaurus rex?
Connecting to poll...
More about American Museum of Natural History
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.