There are six identified species within the Tylosaurus genus, but T. proriger was the largest. In fact, it's the largest of all the Mosasaurs, and one of the largest marine predators of the Cretaceous period.These massive sea creatures could grow up to 50ft in length, and sported two rows of teeth in their monstrous jaws. They had incredibly strong tails that allowed them to hunt their prey by ambushing them with sudden bursts of speed. Once caught, the prey was often swallowed whole!
Tylosaurus ate just about everything. Fish, birds, sharks, and other marine reptiles have all been found in their stomachs. Their fossils have been found in Kansas, which was actually completely covered by an ocean 65 million years ago. And though Tylosaurus itself wasn't an actual Dinosaur, they did go extinct at about the same time, around 65 million years ago.
Status : Extinct for 65 million years
Location : North America
Size : Length up to 50ft (15m)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- Order : Squamata
Family : Mosasauridae -- Genus : Tylosaurus -- Species : T. proriger
Image : Ryan Somma, Public Domain
Family : Mosasauridae -- Genus : Tylosaurus -- Species : T. proriger
Image : Ryan Somma, Public Domain
