1.7" Fossil Odontocete (Toothed Whale) Tooth - South Carolina

This is a small tooth of a Odontocete or "Toothed Whale" that was collected from a river in South Carolina. These teeth tend to be small and can not be identified to a specific genus. There are still a few serration present on this tooth and the tip appears to be fairly feeding worn.

There were many toothed whales found in the Atlantic coastal region from this time, including dolphin ancestors and even a porpoise or two (though these are extremely rare). Odontocete teeth look remarkably similar to pinniped teeth and many comparative studies are done between the toothed whales and seals and their relatives.