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Mosasaurs Were Capable of Explosive Speed
Nautilus | Science Connected • • science
Key Points:
- A new study in Current Biology reveals that mosasaurs, massive aquatic reptiles from the Cretaceous period, were not only large but also capable of impressive bursts of speed, making them formidable predators.
- Researchers led by Kiersten Formoso compared two groups of mosasaurs—russellosaurines and mosasaurines—and found differences in tail shape that suggest distinct hunting strategies.
- Using models based on nearly complete skeletons and data from komodo dragons, the study showed russellosaurines could accelerate rapidly to 15 mph with a single tail stroke, favoring explosive bursts.
- In contrast, mosasaurines had tails built for sustained, tuna-like swimming, indicating a preference for endurance over sudden speed.
- These findings highlight the deadly dynamics of Cretaceous oceans, where prey like plesiosaurs faced the grim choice of being caught quickly or pursued relentlessly.
