WASHINGTON DC, United States — A cast of the skeleton of Prognathodon kianda, a species of mosasaur, on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This prehistoric marine reptile lived during the Late Cretaceous period, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse marine life of ancient oceans.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, , showcases a remarkable cast of the Prognathodon kianda skeleton, a species of mosasaur that inhabited the world's oceans during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70-66 million years ago. This impressive fossil cast spans several meters in length, demonstrating the impressive size of these ancient marine predators. The skeleton shows the characteristic features of mosasaurs, including a streamlined body, powerful jaws, and paddle-like limbs adapted for life in the open ocean. The exhibit provides context about the Prognathodon's place in prehistoric marine ecosystems, its role as an apex predator, and its relationship to other marine reptiles of the Cretaceous period. Informative panels may explain how paleontologists use fossil evidence to understand the anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary history of these extinct creatures. This display serves as a valuable educational tool, allowing visitors to visualize and understand the diversity of life that existed in Earth's oceans millions of years ago. It highlights the museum's role in preserving and presenting paleontological discoveries, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life and the processes of evolution and extinction. The Prognathodon kianda cast exemplifies the Smithsonian's commitment to showcasing significant specimens that illuminate the history of life on Earth, offering visitors a tangible connection to the distant past and the ever-evolving story of our planet's biodiversity.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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