| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Fossil | Remains of an ancient creature turned into rock. |
| Reptile | A cold-blooded animal like snakes and lizards. |
| Cretaceous | A time when dinosaurs lived, millions of years ago. |
Scientists found a skull in Mexico that led them to discover a new type of ancient sea creature! This creature lived about 70 million years ago, in the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs were around. It was a mosasaur, which is an extinct group of reptiles related to today’s lizards and snakes. This new species is called Prognathodon cipactli. The name “cipactli” is from Aztec mythology and means a creature that is part reptile and part fish.
The skull was found in a part of Mexico known for its marine rocks. This area is great for finding fossils because the rocks preserve them well. The mosasaur was a mighty predator with strong jaws and sharp teeth, perfect for catching big fish and other sea animals.
Paleontologists, or scientists who study fossils, say that mosasaurs were the top hunters in the ocean, just like sharks and orcas today. Even though only the skull was found, it tells us a lot about how these creatures lived and hunted.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Fossil | Fósil |
| Museum | Museo |
| Reptile | Reptil |
Time to discuss
- What do you find interesting about ancient sea creatures like mosasaurs?
- Why do you think the discovery of fossils is important to scientists?
- How do you think life in the ocean was different millions of years ago compared to today?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What do you imagine life was like for a mosasaur in the ocean?
- Why do you think scientists name new species after mythological creatures?
