Trending Now - Texas Fossils Reveal New Giant Mosasaur Species From Ancient Seas

WHO:

Phys.org - Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, and Southern Methodist University.

WHAT:

Phys.org - A new species of mosasaur named Tylosaurus rex, or T. rex for short, has been identified.

Phys.org - T. rex is described as one of the largest mosasaurs known, stretching up to 43 feet long.

Dallas News - The fossils are approximately 80 million years old.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The fossils were primarily found in northern Texas.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The fossils date back to 80 million years ago.

WHY:

Phys.org - The research aims to uncover details about ancient marine predators during the age of the dinosaurs.

HOW:

Phys.org - The identification of the new species was achieved through research conducted by scientists at the mentioned institutions.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 04:22 UTC)

Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, and Southern Methodist University have identified a new species of mosasaur named Tylosaurus rex, or T. rex for short, which is one of the largest known mosasaurs, reaching lengths of up to 43 feet. The fossils, approximately 80 million years old, were primarily discovered in northern Texas, and this research aims to shed light on ancient marine predators from the age of the dinosaurs. The identification of T. rex was made possible through collaborative efforts by scientists at these institutions.