Mosasaur is a term used to collectively refer to a diverse group of large, extinct marine reptiles belonging to the family Mosasauridae. These reptiles lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago, and were apex predators of the ancient oceans. Mosasaurs were characterized by their streamlined bodies, powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth, and paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming. They ranged in size from small, agile species to massive predators reaching lengths of up to 50 feet or more. Mosasaurs were distributed globally, with fossils found on every continent except Antarctica. They played a significant role in Late Cretaceous marine ecosystems and are a subject of fascination for scientists and enthusiasts interested in prehistoric life.
