Story perspectives

New 43-Foot Mosasaur “Tylosaurus rex” Unearthed in Texas

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Amelia Zietlow, lead author and research associate at the American Museum of Natural History, announced the discovery of a mosasaur species, Tylosaurus rex, from northern Texas on May 21, 2026.
The 43-foot animal had serrated teeth and powerful jaw and neck muscles, marking it a top marine predator.
The study reclassified specimens to Tylosaurus rex, updated the mosasaur dataset, and produced a new evolutionary tree urging broader review of mosasaur evolution.

1 of 1

Story summary

Amelia Zietlow, lead author and research associate at the American Museum of Natural History, announced the discovery of a mosasaur species, Tylosaurus rex, from northern Texas on May 21, 2026.
The 43-foot animal had serrated teeth and powerful jaw and neck muscles, marking it a top marine predator.
The study reclassified specimens to Tylosaurus rex, updated the mosasaur dataset, and produced a new evolutionary tree urging broader review of mosasaur evolution.