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Massive Mosasaurus Vertebra Discovered in Mississippi

5/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A remarkable discovery near Starkville, Mississippi, has unveiled a massive vertebra from the Mosasaurus hoffmannii, a prehistoric marine lizard that could grow up to 40 feet long. This extraordinary find not only marks the largest mosasaur specimen in the area but also shines a light on Mississippi's fascinating fossil heritage from the Late Cretaceous period, when these giants ruled the oceans.

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Story summary

A remarkable discovery near Starkville, Mississippi, has unveiled a massive vertebra from the Mosasaurus hoffmannii, a prehistoric marine lizard that could grow up to 40 feet long. This extraordinary find not only marks the largest mosasaur specimen in the area but also shines a light on Mississippi's fascinating fossil heritage from the Late Cretaceous period, when these giants ruled the oceans.