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Researchers in Mississippi unearthed a massive vertebra, measuring over seven inches across, from a Mosasaurus hoffmannii, a large marine reptile from the late Cretaceous period. The discovery, one of the largest mosasaur vertebrae ever found in the state, has been described as belonging to a 'true sea monster' by James Starnes of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The vertebra is currently at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science for further study, offering valuable insight into the region's prehistoric ecology and the life of these apex predators before their extinction 66 million years ago.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.