Tylosaurus (T. proriger 'Lumpy Lizard') is a genus of mosasaur, a prehistoric marine reptile that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 86 to 72 million years ago. It was one of the largest marine predators of its time and has been extensively studied by paleontologists due to its impressive size and unique features.
Tylosaurus had a long and slender body that allowed it to move quickly in the water. It is estimated that it could reach lengths of up to 14 meters, although some fossil specimens suggest that it could have been even larger. Its head was large and powerful, with a jaw lined with sharp, pointed teeth, designed to seize and tear at its prey. It had a short and muscular neck, adapted to move with agility in the water.
The Tylosaurus had four well-developed flippers that acted as paddles for swimming in the sea. Its forelimbs were shorter and more robust, while the hindquarters were longer and thinner, which allowed it to have greater maneuverability in the water. It also had a long, strong tail, which it used to propel itself through the water with lateral movements.
Tylosaurus inhabited warm, shallow seas that covered much of what is now North America during the Late Cretaceous. Tylosaurus fossils have been found in various parts of the United States, including Texas, Kansas, South Dakota, and other states. It is believed that it preferred coastal waters and estuaries, where a large number of prey were available.
Tylosaurus is believed to have been an active and fast predator that actively hunted its prey. Its anatomy adapted for marine life indicated that it was an agile and powerful swimmer. It mainly ate fish and other marine animals, such as squid and other smaller marine reptiles.
Tylosaurus used its speed and agility to catch its prey. It moved quickly in the water, using its body and tail to generate powerful propulsion and capture its prey with its jaws filled with sharp teeth. It is believed that it had excellent vision underwater, which allowed it to spot its prey and hunt with precision.
Information about the reproduction of Tylosaurus is limited due to the fact that it is an extinct animal. It is believed that like other marine reptiles, Tylosaurus laid eggs. It is speculated that the females emerged from the water to deposit their eggs on beaches or suitable nesting areas, similar to what modern sea turtles do. Tylosaurus eggs hatched in the sand, and the hatchlings emerged and returned to the water shortly after hatching.
The Model Pose represents a Tylosaurus specimen swimming across the coral seabed.
Approximate measurements of the Tylosaurus:
- Scale 1:60 - 163 x 84 x 49 mm H
- Scale 1:35 - 278 x 144 x 84 mm H
