Mosasaurinae

Mosasaurinae is a subfamily of Mosasauridae, a group of large, extinct marine reptiles that dominated shallow and open oceans during the Late Cretaceous. Members of Mosasaurinae were among the more derived mosasaurs, distinguished by robust skulls, strong dentition, and a generally elongated body with paddle-like limbs adapted for marine life. They typically had conical, sharp teeth suited to grasping fish and other prey, and, in many species, dentition showed specialization for different feeding strategies. The tail and trunk were adapted for powerful swimming in open water.

Anatomically, mosasaurines possessed long, streamlined bodies, broad flippers, and a tail capable of delivering swift propulsion. Their forelimbs and hindlimbs were modified into paddles, and their vertebral column supported an efficient aquatic lifestyle. These adaptations allowed rapid pursuit of prey in the marine environment.

Distribution and ecology: Fossils of mosasaurines have been found in marine sediments across Europe, North America, North Africa, and other continents, indicating a widespread global distribution in the Cretaceous seas. They were apex or near-apex predators, feeding on fish, squids, ammonites, turtles, and other marine reptiles. Some species exploited coastal zones or deltas, while others inhabited offshore waters.

Taxonomy and evolution: Mosasaurinae is one of the two major subfamilies of Mosasauridae, the other commonly recognized group being Plioplatecarpinae (though classifications vary). The subfamily first appears in the Cenomanian and flourished during the Campanian and Maastrichtian, before the end-Cretaceous mass extinction wiped out mosasaurs.