A large new mosasaur from the Upper Cretaceous of The Netherlands

Rudi W. Dortangs, Anne S. Schulp, Eric W.A. Mulder, John W.M. Jagt, Hans H.G. Peeters, Douwe Th De Graaf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We report the discovery of a new species of marine reptile, a mosasaur, from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of The Netherlands. Prognathodon saturator sp. nov. is represented by an almost complete skull and much of the postcranial skeleton, and is one of the largest mosasaurs discovered to date. The stout skull and extremely massive jaws are more powerfully built than in any other known mosasaur. Bite marks, the partial disarticulation and scattering of the skeleton, and the presence of associated teeth of Squalicorax and Plicatoscyllium suggest extensive scavenging by sharks.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalGeologie en Mijnbouw/Netherlands Journal of Geosciences
Volume81
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Maastrichtian
  • Mosasaurs
  • Prognathodon
  • The Netherlands
  • Upper Cretaceous

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