Researchers describe a new species of marine reptile, Tylosaurus rex, from Late Cretaceous-era fossils found primarily in northern Texas. The species is classified as a mosasaur, a group of ocean-dwelling predators that lived during the dinosaur age. According to the studies, the newly described mosasaur can reach about 43 feet (13 meters) in length, placing it among the largest mosasaurs known. The fossils date to roughly 80 million years ago, and the material has been available for decades before being re-examined and formally described by an international team. The researchers characterize T. rex as a top predator of ancient seas, emphasizing its large size and inferred powerful bite based on its skull and feeding adaptations. The species name, “Tylosaurus rex,” is presented as meaning “king of the tylosaurs.” Together, the reports highlight both the fossil origin in Texas and the identification of a major new apex predator within the mosasaur lineage.
New mosasaur species Tylosaurus rex identified from Texas fossils
Researchers describe a new species of marine reptile, Tylosaurus rex, from Late Cretaceous-era fossils found primarily in northern Texas. The species is classified as a mosasaur, a group of ocean-dwel...
- A new mosasaur species is identified and named Tylosaurus rex.
- Fossils are dated to about 80 million years ago (Late Cretaceous).
- The fossils were found mainly in northern Texas and were described using previously collected material.
- The species is estimated to reach up to about 43 feet (13 meters) long.
- Researchers describe it as a top marine predator with skull and feeding features consistent with strong predation.
There's a new T. rex in the fossil record, only this one terrorized the ancient seas. New research led by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, and Southern Methodist University uncovers a new, massive species of mosasaur, a marine reptile that lived during the age of the dinosaurs. One of the largest mosasaurs known to date—stretching up to 43 feet long—this top predator was described from 80-million-year-old fossils that were found primarily in northern Texas decades ago. It was named Tylosaurus rex, or T. rex for short, meaning "king of the tylosaurs."
3 months agoThe newly described mosasaur Tylosaurus rex spanned up to 43 feet (13 meters) long and may have been one of the fiercest marine predators of the dinosaur age.
3 months ago
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