Fossil Displayed in a Museum for Decades Found to Be a New Species of Giant Carnivore

A Texas fossil long labeled as Tylosaurus proriger has been reclassified as a new giant mosasaur species, Tylosaurus rex.

Researchers at the Perot Museum used skull, jaw, tooth, and 3D comparisons to spot key differences from known specimens.

The study reclassified 12 fossils in total, revising how these Cretaceous predators are classified and understood.

The find shows museum collections can still hold major discoveries hidden in plain sight.