Mosasaurus
Period Late Cretaceous (82-66 million years ago)
Diet Carnivore (Marine Predator)
Length 12-18 meters (40-60 feet)
Weight 15,000 kg
The Meuse River Lizard
Mosasaurus was a genus of large aquatic lizards that dominated the oceans. Despite being a marine reptile, it was not a dinosaur but lived alongside them.
Unique Features
- Powerful Jaws: Could crush sea turtles and ammonites with ease
- Double-Hinged Jaw: Like modern snakes, allowing it to swallow large prey whole
- Paddle-like Limbs: Evolved from land-dwelling ancestors into powerful flippers
- Apex Predator: No natural predators in its ocean environment
Hunting Strategy
Mosasaurus was an ambush predator, using its powerful tail to propel itself at high speeds to catch fish, sharks, and even other marine reptiles.