Скачать или смотреть Fossil Reveals Cannibalistic Behavior in 100-Million-Year-Old Mosasaur

A remarkable mosasaur fossil discovered in Angola has unveiled evidence of cannibalism among these prehistoric marine predators. Found with the remains of three other mosasaurs in its stomach—one of which belonged to its own species—the fossil offers a rare glimpse into the behavior of these oceanic rulers from the Late Cretaceous period.Mosasaurs, massive marine reptiles that dominated Earth’s oceans around 100 million years ago, have fascinated scientists since their discovery near Maastricht, Netherlands, in 1766. Often referred to as icons of evolutionary innovation, these fearsome lizards are thought to have marked the emergence of a completely new group of marine animals.Michael Polcyn, a paleontologist from Utrecht University, has conducted the most comprehensive study of mosasaurs’ early evolution, ecology, and feeding habits. Utilizing cutting-edge micro-CT imaging, Polcyn has revisited historical specimens and analyzed newly discovered fossils to shed light on their origins, relationships, and behaviors, according to Interesting Engineering on December 13.