2" Fossil Sauropod Dinosaur (Titanosaur?) Tooth - Morocco

This is a gorgeous, 2" long tooth from a Moroccan titanosaur that is currently unidentified. It comes from the Late Cretaceous, Kem Kem Beds of Morocco, home to such meat eating giants as Spinosaurus and Carcharodontosaurus.


About Titanosaurs

Titanosaurs were a diverse group of sauropod dinosaurs that thrived during the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Known for their massive size and unique adaptations, titanosaurs are considered some of the largest terrestrial animals to ever walk the Earth. Fossil evidence of titanosaurs has been discovered on every continent, indicating their wide distribution and adaptability to various environments.

Some species of titanosaurs reached lengths of over 100 feet and could weigh as much as 100 tons or more. Titanosaurs had thick, barrel-shaped bodies supported by sturdy, pillar-like legs. Their massive proportions helped them support their weight and navigate their habitats. Some titanosaurs exhibited specialized traits, such as bony plates along their backs and elongated necks that allowed them to reach high vegetation. Their relatively small heads, in proportion to their bodies, housed teeth adapted for a herbivorous diet, ideal for stripping leaves and browsing on a variety of plant life.

As herbivores, titanosaurs primarily fed on a wide range of vegetation, including ferns, conifers, and other leafy plants. Their long necks enabled them to access foliage at varying heights, making it possible to graze on both low-lying and tall vegetation. The sheer size of titanosaurs allowed them to consume large quantities of food to sustain their massive bodies.

Titanosaurs inhabited diverse environments, from lush floodplains to arid regions. Their fossils have been found in sedimentary rock formations, suggesting they lived in areas rich in vegetation. Evidence indicates that titanosaurs may have exhibited social behavior, with some species possibly traveling in herds for protection against predators.

The Kem Kem Group

The Kem Kem Group, also known as the Kem Kem Beds, is a significant geological formation located in southeastern Morocco, specifically in the region of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. This formation dates back to the late Cretaceous period, approximately 95 million years ago. The Kem Kem Beds are primarily composed of sandstone, siltstone, and claystone, interspersed with various sedimentary features that indicate a fluvial to deltaic environment.

The Kem Kem Group is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, which include a diverse array of prehistoric fauna. It has yielded a wide variety of dinosaur fossils, including theropods like Spinosaurus and Carcharodontosaurus, as well as large Sauropod dinosaurs such as Rebbachisaurus. Additionally, the beds are home to many other fossilized creatures, including crocodiles, pterosaurs, fish, and a range of invertebrates.

Paleontologists consider the Kem Kem Group an important site for studying late Cretaceous ecosystems and the evolution of vertebrate life. The fossils found in this region have provided valuable insights into the diversity and behavior of prehistoric species, making it a key location for both scientific research and fossil collecting. The striking landscapes of the Kem Kem Beds, with their colorful rock formations and dramatic geological features, also attract geologists and tourists interested in the natural history of the area.

A paper on this assemblage can be found at: Vertebrate assemblages from the early Late Cretaceous of southeastern Morocco: An overview

One of the tunnels dug into the Kem Kem beds by local miners following the productive fossil beds.
One of the tunnels dug into the Kem Kem beds by local miners following the productive fossil beds.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Unidentified Titanosaur
LOCATION
Taouz, Kem Kem Basin, Morocco
FORMATION
Kem Kem Beds
SIZE
2" long
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#238738
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.