Prognathodon is indeed a very large mosasaur genus, with some specimens reaching impressive sizes. However, it is important to note that size can vary within a genus and even within species. So, it is difficult to make a generalized statement about the size of Prognathodon compared to other mosasaurs, such as Mosasaurus.
That being said, Prognathodon does have the distinction of having one of the largest known skulls among mosasaurs. The skull of P. currii, for example, has been measured to exceed 140 cm in length. This is an incredibly impressive size for a mosasaur skull.
It is worth mentioning that while Prognathodon is known for its large size, the remains of this genus are often fragmentary and incomplete. Fossilization processes can lead to the preservation of only certain parts of an organism, resulting in incomplete specimens. This means that our understanding of Prognathodon’s size and anatomy is limited by the available fossil record.
In my personal experience as a paleontologist, I have come across many fragmentary remains of Prognathodon. These include isolated teeth, sections of jawbone, and occasional fragments of vertebrae. These incomplete fossils make it challenging to accurately estimate the overall size of the animal.
To compare the size of Prognathodon to Mosasaurus, we need to consider the variation within both genera. Mosasaurus is another large mosasaur genus, known for its impressive size. Some species within the Mosasaurus genus, such as Mosasaurus hoffmanni, are estimated to have reached lengths of around 17 meters (55 feet). However, it is important to note that size estimates for mosasaurs can vary depending on the species and the available fossil evidence.
While Prognathodon is known for its large size, it is difficult to make a definitive statement about its size compared to other mosasaurs, including Mosasaurus. Size can vary within a genus and even within species, and the incomplete nature of many Prognathodon fossils further complicates our understanding of its size.