Rutgers study reveals high-speed hunting tactics of ancient mosasaurs

New research published in Current Biology suggests that prehistoric mosasaurs, the marine reptiles that dominated the oceans during the Cretaceous period, were capable of rapid bursts of speed to ambush prey. A study led by Kiersten Formoso of Rutgers University utilized biomechanical models and fossil measurements to reconstruct the swimming capabilities of four different species, including Tylosaurus proriger and Platecarpus.

The findings indicate that some mosasaurs could achieve sudden accelerations of approximately 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) through a maneuver described as a ‘slam-start.’ This technique involves a powerful sweep of the tail to propel the body forward, similar to a swimmer launching off a pool wall.

Unlike previous theories suggesting these reptiles moved with undulating, eel-like motions, the study indicates they possessed relatively rigid bodies and tail fins similar to sharks. This anatomical structure allowed species with longer tails to accumulate and release energy for sudden attacks, potentially enabling them to surprise large fish and other marine reptiles from a hidden position.