- Scientists have identified a new marine dinosaur species, Tylosaurus rex, which grew to 43ft and terrorised the seas over 80 million years ago.
- This massive mosasaur reptile, found primarily in northern Texas, is distinct from the land dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, despite sharing the 'T. rex' moniker.
- Researchers, led by Ron Tykoski, noted its finely serrated teeth, powerful jaw and neck muscles, and evidence of significant intraspecies violence.
- The discovery, based on fossils from the American Museum of Natural History and other institutions, suggests a need to re-examine existing mosasaur evolutionary relationships.
- This finding highlights Texas as a crucial region for understanding ancient marine ecosystems and opens a new avenue for research into these formidable predators.
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