Ancient Texas seas once ruled by 43-foot “tyrant lizard” misidentified for decades
Scientists have named a new species of giant marine reptile Tylosaurus rex, which ruled the Western Interior Seaway roughly 81 to 79 million years ago.
Body length estimates for confirmed specimens range from 25 to 43 feet, making it among the largest mosasaurs known from North America.
The species was misidentified for decades as Tylosaurus proriger, with oversized traits dismissed as signs of age or growth.
Lead author Amelia R. Zietlow and colleagues analyzed multiple specimens and identified distinct features, including a three-lobed jaw joint, that separate T. rex from other species.
The discovery suggests other new species may be hiding in museum collections, mislabeled due to historical lack of careful comparison.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-05-27-tyrant-lizard-that-ruled-ancient-texas-seas.html
