Flexible Tails Could Boost Ancient Sea Predators' Ambush Speeds, Fossil-Based Models Suggest

Phys.org Science•Published: Oct 8, 2026 01:30 AM IST

A new Rutgers-led study reveals that giant marine reptiles known as mosasaurs used differently proportioned tails to either launch surprise ambushes or chase prey in open water during the age of dinosaurs.

Fossil Reconstructions: Researchers reconstructed the bodies of four mosasaur species from fossil skeletons and applied physics principles to estimate single-tail-stroke surge speeds.
Ambush Speed Advantage: Species like Platecarpus and Tylosaurus achieved faster lunges due to longer, more flexible tail sections that allowed deeper curling before striking.
Open Ocean Adaptation: In contrast, species like Mosasaurus and Plotosaurus featured tails built for sustained, tuna-like cruising rather than explosive sudden bursts.
Television Consulting: Lead researcher Kiersten Formoso consulted on documentary series like 'Prehistoric Planet,' using early versions of this research to inform depictions of mosasaur movement.

The Context & Background

These ancient lizard-like predators ruled the seas while dinosaurs dominated the land, but little was previously understood about how their distinct physical traits dictated their hunting strategies.

Why it matters:Understanding the biomechanics of apex marine predators provides critical insight into how ancient ocean ecosystems functioned millions of years ago. By linking fossil anatomy directly to hunting behaviors like ambush predation versus open-water pursuit, scientists can better reconstruct the evolutionary dynamics of prehistoric marine food webs.

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