This course explores the evolution and anatomy of mosasaurs, focusing on the tail as a key aspect of their aquatic adaptation. Students will learn about microevolution, macroevolution, rates of evolution, and the unique features of mosasaurs such as squamation and viviparity. The teaching method includes a detailed analysis of tail anatomy through comparisons with other aquatic animals. This course is intended for individuals interested in paleontology, evolutionary biology, and marine reptiles.
The Tail of a Mosasaur - A Window on the Tempo and Mode of Evolution in Aquatic Tetrapods
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology via YouTube
Overview
Syllabus
The Tail of a Mosasaur-A Window on the Tempo and Mode of Evolution in Aquatic Tetrapods
What's Evolution?
Microevolution
Macroevolution
Rates of Evolution
2009 GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE
What we see today...
existed in Mesozoic seas
Squamates
Squamation = Imbricate Scales
Mosasaurs—size matters
Mosasaurs Introduction
Food for thought...
Mosasaur (Ovo)viviparity
Late Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma-) North America
Platecarpus tympaniticus (LACM 128319)
Features on Head
Cont'd (Eye)
Internal Organs and Gut Contents
Comparison with Monitor Lizard and Cetacean (Dolphin)
Tail Anatomy—It's Bent!
Previous Tail Reconstruction in Mosasaurs—Straight?
Tail of an Aigialosaur-Also Straight.
Some Numerical Results
Platecarpus Reconstructed
How did we reconstruct the crescent- shaped tail fin in Platecarpus?
The Tale of the Tail of Platecarpus
Mosasaurs were NOT an exception
Acknowledgments
Taught by
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
