taviki

Taviki is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the family Mosasauridae, a group of large, predatory lizards that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of taviki have been found in deposits dating to approximately 70 to 66 million years ago, indicating its presence in the western interior seaway of North America. The genus was named in honor of the Tavik Formation, where its type species, Taviki siberi, was discovered.

Taviki is characterized by its relatively small size compared to other mosasaurs, with estimated lengths typically ranging from 3 to 4 meters. Key features include a flattened skull, moderately sized teeth, and a somewhat robust build. Its anatomy suggests it was an active predator, likely feeding on fish, ammonites, and possibly smaller marine reptiles. The discovery of taviki contributes to our understanding of mosasaur diversity and evolution during the final stages of the Mesozoic Era. Its presence alongside larger, more well-known mosasaur genera highlights the ecological complexity of Cretaceous marine ecosystems. Further research on the fossil material of taviki continues to refine our knowledge of its specific adaptations and its place within the mosasaur family tree.