Newly Discovered Mosasaur Species Unveils Ancient Marine Predators in Texas
Ancient seas get a new T. rex as massive mosasaur emerges from Texas fossils
Phys.org
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A new species of mosasaur, named Tylosaurus rex, has been identified from 80-million-year-old fossils in northern Texas. This massive predator, measuring up to 43 feet long, showcases unique features and aggressive behavior, reshaping our understanding of mosasaur evolution and highlighting Texas as a crucial area for marine paleontology.
- 01Tylosaurus rex, a new species of mosasaur, can grow between 25 to 43 feet long.
- 02The fossils were primarily found in northern Texas, dating back 80 million years.
- 03The study revealed evidence of aggressive behavior among T. rex specimens, including injuries likely inflicted by their own species.
- 04This research challenges long-standing assumptions in mosasaur evolutionary studies, necessitating a reevaluation of their relationships.
- 05The holotype of T. rex is displayed at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.
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Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, and Southern Methodist University have identified a new species of mosasaur, named Tylosaurus rex, from fossils found in northern Texas. This species, one of the largest known mosasaurs, can reach lengths of up to 43 feet, showcasing adaptations for powerful predation. The fossils, which date back 80 million years, were originally misidentified and are primarily from Texas, differing from the previously recognized T. proriger specimens found in Kansas. The study highlights aggressive behaviors within the species, evidenced by injuries on specimens like
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The discovery of T. rex emphasizes Texas's significance in paleontological research, potentially attracting more studies and tourism related to ancient marine ecosystems.
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