Mosasaur
Mosasaurus hoffmannii, with its elongated, streamlined body and powerful jaws, ruled the Cretaceous seas. This apex predator, armed with sharp teeth and flippers, was a masterful hunter, pivotal in maintaining marine ecological balance by preying on diverse sea life.
Length: 11.8872 - 12.8016 m; Height: 17.069 m
Size
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Color
Characteristics
Mosasaurus hoffmannii, a formidable marine reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, was an apex predator of ancient seas. It boasted a streamlined body, large jaws with conical teeth, and flippers, adapting it perfectly for aquatic life. This species played a crucial role in its marine ecosystem, preying on fish and smaller marine reptiles.
Distribution Range of the Mosasaur
Mosasaurus hoffmannii, an extinct species of marine reptile, lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70-66 million years ago. Its fossils have primarily been found in what is now Western Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and nearby areas. Additionally, remains have been discovered in North America, including parts of the United States and Canada, indicating a wide distribution in the marine environments of the Western Interior Seaway and the North Atlantic Ocean during that time.
Mosasaur's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Mosasaurus hoffmannii inhabited warm, shallow epicontinental seas that were prevalent during the Cretaceous period. These seas were characterized by warm temperatures, high salinity, and a rich diversity of marine life, providing an ample food supply. The environment would have included coral reefs, lagoons, and open marine areas.
Ecological Niche
As an apex predator, Mosasaurus hoffmannii occupied the top of the marine food chain. It preyed on a variety of marine organisms, including fish, cephalopods, and smaller marine reptiles. Its adaptations, such as robust jaws, conical teeth, and a streamlined body, allowed it to pursue and capture agile prey in open water. The species' distribution in vast oceanic regions reflects its adaptability to different marine habitats and its role as a dominant predator.
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