The story of mosasaurs began in 1766 when they were first discovered near Maastricht, Netherlands, marking a pivotal moment in the field of vertebrate paleontology.

These remarkable marine reptiles originated around 100 million years ago and evolved into highly adapted predators, thriving until their extinction 66 million years ago, likely due to a meteorite impact.

Recent research has shed light on the dietary behaviors of mosasaurs, exploring their prey processing and the relationships between predator and prey body sizes.

A significant aspect of this research includes a large-scale analysis of mosasaur feeding behaviors, which reveals patterns of foraging area segregation throughout their evolutionary history.

Among the notable findings is a fossilized mosasaur discovered in Angola, which contained three other mosasaurs in its stomach, providing the first evidence of cannibalism within the species.

This research has also clarified the evolutionary relationships of mosasaurs, establishing that they are more closely related to monitor lizards than to snakes, resolving longstanding scientific debates.

Paleontologist Michael Polcyn, who recently earned his PhD from Utrecht University, emphasizes that mosasaurs exemplify macroevolution, showcasing the emergence of distinct animal groups.

Polcyn transitioned to paleontology after a successful career in technology and engineering and is currently a Senior Research Fellow at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Advanced imaging technologies, such as micro-CT scanning, have significantly enhanced our understanding of mosasaurs' evolutionary relationships and internal structures.

The research not only investigates mosasaur evolution and feeding habits but also delves into their phylogenetic relationships, providing a comprehensive view of these ancient predators.