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T. Rex of the Ocean? Massive Marine Predator Discovered Was ‘a True Terror of Its Time’
The giant marine reptile was identified from fossils long mislabeled as Tylosaurus proriger, and at least 12 specimens showed distinct features.
- On May 21, paleontologist Amelia Zietlow identified a new mosasaur species, Tylosaurus rex, reclassifying fossils long misidentified as Tylosaurus proriger in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History.
- Zietlow's investigation began after noticing a large 19th-century Texas fossil she nicknamed "Beefcake," prompting a comparative review across 22 museums in North America and Europe.
- Tylosaurus rex measured about 30 to 35 feet, rivaling the land-dwelling Tyrannosaurus rex in size; paleontologist Steve Brusatte noted both dominated their ecosystems as apex carnivores.
- Much of the research involved fossils donated by hobbyist paleontologists in the Dallas area, while study coauthor Michael J. Polcyn noted two additional projects are underway.
- The discovery reshapes understanding of the Cretaceous Period, suggesting Tylosaurus was more diverse than previously thought as these massive reptiles thrived about 80 million years ago.
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The Sea Tyrant That Hid in U.S. Museums for 150 Years
The post The Sea Tyrant That Hid in U.S. Museums for 150 Years appeared first on A-Z Animals.Ancient oceans were filled with massive, fearsome creatures. Based on sheer size alone, these animals put today’s aquatic giants to shame. One such creature is a newly named “sea tyrant” that ruled ancient Texas waters. Unlike a newly discovered fossil, this sea reptile has been hiding in plain sight for decades. Thanks to some observant eyes, the Tylosa…
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