Scientists identify massive 80-million-year-old 'dinosaur' found in Texas as new species
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists have identified a new giant mosasaur species from prehistoric Texas named Tylosaurus rex, which lived about 80 million years ago and measured up to 43 feet long, making it one of the largest and most aggressive marine reptiles of its kind.
- The discovery, based on fossils from northern Texas and published in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, reclassifies some specimens previously thought to be Tylosaurus proriger, highlighting past misidentifications in museum collections.
- Tylosaurus rex had distinctive finely serrated teeth and strong jaw and neck muscles, indicating it was a powerful predator; evidence of violent combat was found in one specimen known as "The Black Knight."
- Researchers developed a revised evolutionary framework for tylosaurs that may prompt reexamination of older fossils and studies, potentially leading to updated museum exhibits and a better understanding of ancient marine ecosystems.
- The findings emphasize the importance of regional fossil sites like those in Texas for uncovering new species and refining knowledge about prehistoric life.