In an exciting development for both the scientific community and local residents, Amelia Zietlow, a specialist at the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, Wisconsin, has discovered a new species of prehistoric lizard in Texas. The species, named Tylosaurus rex, is a type of mosasaur, a group of large marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
Discovery and Characteristics
Zietlow, along with her co-authors, published their findings last Thursday, revealing fascinating details about this ancient creature. Unlike dinosaurs, mosasaurs are more closely related to modern-day lizards such as Komodo dragons and snakes. The Tylosaurus rex lived approximately 80 million years ago, with most specimens discovered in Texas.
The new species was identified through unique adaptations found on its skull, suggesting it had larger jaw muscles and serrated teeth. Remarkably, it also possessed a double row of teeth on the roof of its mouth, aiding in capturing slippery prey like fish and other aquatic animals.
Bringing the Tylosaurus Rex to Life
To help visualize this prehistoric giant, Zietlow’s team collaborated with the creators of Path of Titans, a dinosaur survival simulation game. This partnership has allowed the Tylosaurus rex to be brought to life in a virtual setting, providing an engaging way for people to learn about this impressive creature.
The Tylosaurus rex was notably large, with some specimens estimated to reach lengths of up to 40 feet. Zietlow humorously noted that the largest skull in their dataset was as large as she is tall. The team affectionately nicknamed the specimen “Tex” due to its Texas origins.
Local Impact and Exhibition
A replication of the Tylosaurus rex skull is now proudly displayed at the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage with one of the latest scientific discoveries and gain a deeper understanding of the prehistoric world.
“Mosasaurs are huge,” Zietlow emphasized. “This is a huge animal, and this isn’t even the biggest one. But it’s really convenient that we have it here to talk about and to show people what these animals look like.”
This discovery not only highlights the contributions of local researchers to the global scientific community but also enriches the cultural and educational landscape of Appleton.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
