Systematics and Paleoecology of Prognathodon- A Mosasaur from the Bearpaw Sea of Alberta

Explore the systematics and paleoecology of Prognathodon, a mosasaur from the Bearpaw Sea of Alberta, in this 39-minute lecture from the Royal Tyrrell Museum Speaker Series. Delve into the fascinating world of mosasaurs, marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, as Dr. Takuya Konishi presents new specimens and their implications. Learn about the skull morphology, dental wear patterns, and dietary habits of Prognathodon, including evidence of ammonite consumption. Examine the postcranial anatomy and its evolutionary significance, comparing Prognathodon to other mosasaur species like Eremiasaurus heterodontus. Gain insights into the diversification and decline of mosasaur lineages during the Campanian to Maastrichtian stages, enhancing your understanding of these ancient marine predators and their paleoecology.

Intro
Systematics aneh Paleoecology of
Mosasaurs (ca. 98-65 Ma)
Prognathodon: Locality & Horizon
New Specimen 1: TMP 2007.34.01
New Specimen 2: TMP 2002.400.01
Specimen 1: Skull (85 cm L.)
Dental Wear
Crunch, crunch, crunch....
At the same time...
Crenulated carinae (cutting edges) conducive to slicing meat.
Ammonites = 'shelled squids' of the Cretaceous seas
Ammonite lower jaw?
Chemical composition (EDS) analysis
Long suspected...
New guild assignment to P. overtoni
Postcrania and diversification of mosasaurine mosasaurs
Forelimb
Hind limb
Evolutionary Implications
Eremiasaurus heterodontus from ca. 68 Ma, Morocco
Comparison of hind paddle between Prognathodon and Eremiasaurus
Campanian to Maastrichtian = decline in non-mosasaurine diversity