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Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that hold an important place in the history of vertebrate paleontology. Their discovery near Maastricht, Netherlands, in 1766 laid the foundation for the
Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that hold an important place in the history of vertebrate paleontology. Their discovery near Maastricht, Netherlands, in 1766 laid the foundation for the study of fossil vertebrates.
Paleontologist Michael Polsin, one of the leading experts on mosasaurs, has presented the most comprehensive study to date of their early evolution and ecology. Polsin will receive his doctorate from Utrecht University on December 16 for his extensive research on these fascinating marine reptiles.
“Mosasaurs are a textbook example of macroevolution, the emergence of new and distinct groups of animals above the species level,” Poltsyn said. he explained.
“Although they have been studied for centuries, new discoveries, new research approaches and the application of technology are still telling us about their relationships and behavior, some of which continue to surprise us.” “For example, by using detailed comparative anatomy using micro-CT scanning technology, we have a much better understanding of which group of lizards mosasaurs likely evolved from.”
Polcyn used cutting-edge imaging techniques such as microcomputed tomography to study the brain structures of mosasaurs. These tools not only clarified the evolutionary relationships of mosasaurs, but also resolved the debate around problematic fossil taxa. This approach has led to a better understanding of their origins and evolutionary adaptations.
“This study not only addressed the group’s early evolution, but also explored small- and large-scale aspects of nutritional biology,” Polsin said.
A notable feature of his work is a specimen found in Angola that contained the remains of three other mosasaurs, including one of the same species, in its stomach. This remarkable discovery was the first known case of cannibalism in mosasaurs.
Mosasaurs evolved from a group of lizards that ventured into the oceans about 100 million years ago. For more than 34 million years, they have adapted to a wide variety of marine environments, occupying a variety of ecological environments. Mosasaurs, along with many other species, went extinct in a mass extinction caused by an asteroid impact 66 million years ago. Little is known about the early history of mosasaurs, although numerous fossils have been found from later stages of their evolution.
“A relatively large number of fossils are known from the second half of the evolutionary history of mosasaurs, providing a good understanding of the relationships between these species, which are divided into four main groups,” Poltsyn said. “Much less is known about their early evolutionary history and how these major groups are related to each other, their origins, and the origins of mosasaurs as a whole.”
To address these gaps, the team from Utrecht University used advanced imaging techniques to analyze both new discoveries and historical samples. The data obtained resolved a long scientific debate. Polsin concluded that mosasaurs were more closely related to monitor lizards than to snakes.
The feeding habits of mosasaurs were also the focus of Polkin’s research. The Angolan specimen with three mosasaurs highlights a unique aspect of predatory behavior.
“We can’t say for sure whether this mosasaur was a scavenger or was actively hunting its prey; “But we have the first documented example of cannibalism in mosasaurs,” Poltsyn explained. Their findings also show how mosasaurs processed prey and the relationship between predator and prey size.
Polkin’s thesis includes a comprehensive study of the feeding behavior of mosasaurs over a period of 92-66 million years. After analyzing a huge global data set, he discovered patterns in the separation of grazing areas and forage diversity. These ideas shed light on how mosasaurs allocated resources and developed feeding strategies.
Michael Polkin’s research not only advances our understanding of mosasaur evolution but also highlights the value of integrating advanced technology with paleontological research. Their discoveries continue to transform our understanding of these ancient marine predators and provide deeper insights into their complex lives and ecological roles.
The legacy of mosasaurs is evidence of the dynamic nature of paleontology as new discoveries emerge. Their stories remind us that ancient ecosystems hold untapped secrets that are still waiting to be discovered.
Source: Port Altele
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