The article discusses recent research on mosasaurs, ancient marine reptiles that were apex predators in the oceans during the Cretaceous period. Key findings indicate that some species, such as Tylosaurus, likely employed “slam-start” ambush tactics to catch prey, utilizing powerful tail sweeps to reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. This behavior draws a comparison to modern predators, like the Komodo dragon.
The study, led by evolutionary paleontologist Kiersten Formoso, suggests that mosasaurs’ anatomy, particularly their tail structure, facilitated these sneak attack strategies. While some mosasaurs, like Plotosaurus, were better suited for steady, sustained swimming in open waters, others thrived in shallower areas, relying on rapid bursts of speed.
The findings enrich our understanding of these formidable ancient predators and underscore their dominance in the marine ecosystem, even as dinosaurs like T. rex roamed the land.
