Ancient predatory reptiles that lived in the oceans during the dinosaurs were similar to modern killer whales – paleontologists made this conclusion by studying fossils 85 million years old.
Tiny remains of a baby tilosaurus (Tylosaurus mosasaurs) were found in Kansas, USA. Scientists have suggested that he died almost immediately after birth.
Adults of this species grew up to 15 meters in length and were at the top of the food chain, having neither enemies nor competitors, reports the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Until recently, not too much was known about them. But the well-preserved fossil allowed paleontologists to study the structure of the bones of the muzzle, skull and upper jaw. They concluded that extinct predators behaved similar to the now living killer whales.
Studies have shown that the shape of the tilosaurs resembled killer whales. The method of hunting coincided – they did not bite the victim, but rammed her nose. This is evidenced by a specific bone protrusion protecting the front teeth, as well as wider and stronger facial bones connected to the powerful arch of the skull than in other species.
Apparently, predators tried to drown or drive the prey, and attacked it after it finally lost strength.
Scientists also noted that tilosaurs, apparently, grew very quickly. The body weight of the cub was only 1/6 of the weight of an adult animal, and the circumference of the head was 13 centimeters (in an adult – more than a meter).
Earlier it was reported that scientists learned new details about the lives of young diplodoks. After studying the remains of the cub, who was given the name Andrew, they established that the young could graze not only in the open space, but also in the forests, eating grass and tree leaves.