Exclusive: There’s a new T. rex in town-and this giant beast ruled the seas
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Paleontologists have identified a new massive species of Tylosaurus, a mosasaur sea lizard, named Tylosaurus rex, measuring up to 43 feet long and considered one of the largest known mosasaurs.
- This 80-million-year-old apex predator, discovered in Texas, exhibits distinct features such as finely serrated teeth and adaptations for a powerful bite, distinguishing it from the previously known Tylosaurus proriger species.
- The discovery, detailed in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, involved comprehensive anatomical analysis of over 300 mosasaur specimens, improving understanding of mosasaur evolution and diversity.
- The name Tylosaurus rex pays homage to the famous Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur and reflects the sea lizard’s status as a dominant marine predator, with evidence of violent interactions among individuals indicating aggressive behavior.
- Researchers hope this finding will bring greater attention to tylosaurs, highlighting their importance as some of the largest marine reptiles in prehistoric ecosystems.