El Paso's Fossils Reveal New Apex Predator: Tylosaurus rex

Paleontologists have identified a new marine predator, Tylosaurus rex, a massive mosasaur that lived approximately 80 million years ago, predating the famous Tyrannosaurus rex. This marine reptile, measuring up to 43 feet long, dominated its aquatic ecosystem, preying on fish and other marine creatures. The discovery was made possible through extensive research on fossils found in Texas, which were previously misclassified. The findings underscore the importance of museum collections and community involvement in paleontological research. This new species adds to the diversity of mosasaurs, suggesting a richer evolutionary history than previously understood.

Key Details: • Tylosaurus rex lived about 80 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. • Fossils were primarily found in Texas and previously misidentified as Tylosaurus proriger. • The holotype of Tylosaurus rex is displayed at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. • Community involvement played a significant role in the discovery of these fossils.