Mosasaur hunting behavior research

Research published in the journal Current Biology, led by Kiersten Formoso of Rutgers University, has identified specialized hunting techniques used by various mosasaur species during the Cretaceous period. By applying physics principles and biomechanical models to fossil remains, researchers reconstructed the swimming capabilities of four different species, including Tylosaurus proriger and Platecarpus.

The study suggests that certain mosasaurs utilized a “slam-start” maneuver to achieve sudden bursts of speed for ambush attacks. This technique involved a powerful sweep of the tail to propel the body forward, comparable to a swimmer launching off a pool wall, allowing some species to reach speeds of approximately 15 miles per hour.

These findings challenge previous theories that these marine reptiles moved with undulating, eel-like motions. Instead, the anatomical evidence indicates they possessed relatively rigid bodies and tail fins similar to sharks. The research highlights how variations in tail proportions allowed different species to occupy distinct ecological niches, with some being suited for high-speed ambushes and others for cruising through open oceans.