Description: 2.3" Mosasaur Prognathodon Fossil Tooth Rooted In Matrix Cretaceous Dinosaur Era Location: Oued Zem, Morocco Weight: 7.3 Ounces Dimensions: 2.7 Inches Long, 2.4 Inches Wide, 2 Inches Thick (Matrix) Tooth Dimensions: 2.3 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches Wide Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The item pictured is the one you will receive. This is a genuine fossil. 100 - 66 Million Years old, Upper Cretaceous, Maastrichtian Epoch. Name: Prognathodon (Forejaw tooth). Named By: Dollo - 1889. Diet: Carnivore. Size: Depending upon the species, Prognathodon could range between 6 to possibly just under 14 meters in length. Known locations: Fossil locations suggest a worldwide distribution, but especially well- known from Europe and North America. Time period: Campanian to Maastrichtian of the Cretaceous. Prognathodon was a late Mosasaur that showed a trend towards a different kind of predation that saw it living like the much earlier basal placodont reptiles of the Triassic such as Placodus. This means that Prognathodon specialized in eating tough shelled prey items like shellfish, ammonites, and turtles. The diet of Prognathodon was for a long time just speculation based upon the teeth and jaw construction, but two discoveries in Canada in the early years of the twenty-first century not only revealed the full body shape of Prognathodon but the diet as well. One specimen revealed the presence of turtle and ammonite fossils located where its stomach would have been. Interestingly it also had a one-hundred and sixty centimeters long fish in its gut, suggesting that while Prognathodon was a specialized predator, it was also opportunistic in its feeding. Prognathodon had a robust and heavy jaw that would have been capable of withstanding a high bite force supplied by powerful jaw muscles. However, it’s the teeth that should receive special note as not only are they strong and well adapted for crushing, they have serrations that can be seen under much more detailed inspection. This makes the teeth specialized for a dual purpose, destroying the protective shells of prey while shearing the flesh within. Another specialization is the presence of bony rings around the eye sockets. This is seen as a deep water adaptation for the eyes to better withstand the higher water pressure of deep water, something which may have often been necessary when diving for ammonites. Why Prognathodon shifted towards this kind of diet when mosasaurs are generally perceived to be apex predators of other reptiles and fish remains uncertain. It could have been that competition for the ecological niche of apex predators was so fierce that the only way Prognathodon could evolve and survive was by adapting to a different food source, removing the need for competition with other predators. It could also be that the numbers of large prey animals that mosasaurs are traditionally associated with began to fall, necessitating a need to switch to a different diet. It could have course been to simply exploit an abundant food supply. What is certain is that Prognathodon was not the only mosasaur to adjust to this diet with another named Globidens also having particularly large and rounded crushing teeth in its mouth. Please be aware of the nature of fossils: Being buried under the ground for millions of years under tons of pressure tends to be rough. No fossil comes out of the ground whole and perfect. Most fossils have undergone some restoration, while others are altered by man simply to enhance their presentation in different ways. The workers in Morocco do a very professional job, of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures, however, commonly natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects. Shipping Payments Terms of Sale Contact Us We offer combined discounted shipping on purchases made the same day. If your using PayPal payment we only ship to the shipping address specified on PayPal. Most orders are shipped with the United States Postal Services with tracking. All shipments will be shipped within 24 hours except Sundays Signatures are required on all purchases over $100 USD All payments must be made within 72 hours of placing your order. UNCONDITIONAL RETURN POLICY At Fossil Age Minerals, customer service and satisfaction are our highest priorities. Because your positive buying experience is very important to us, Fossil Age Minerals has an Unconditional return policy if: 1. All returns must be in their original state. 2. All return requests are made within 30 Calendar days of receipt of merchandise. You can contact us between the hour of 9:00AM - 8:00PM Central time Mon - Fri. We are closed on weekends and holidays.
Price: 29.99 USD
Location: Post Falls, Idaho
End Time: 2024-09-15T14:48:36.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.99 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: Morocco
