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7" Fossil Primitive Whale (Pappocetus) Mandible Section - Morocco
This is a 7" long jaw (mandible) section with four intact incisors. It is from Pappocetus lugardi, a type of protocetid cetacean (early whale ancestor). These rare specimens come from the Middle Eocene-aged Aridal Formation, located in the Western Sahara near Gueran, Morocco. The jaw has been professionally prepared and exposed from the rock, creating this gorgeous display piece.
Comes with an acrylic/metal display stand.
The teeth are natural and have not been mounted to the jaw. There is some restoration to the root of the largest tooth, however this specimen is overall complete and required very little repair or restoration.
Comes with an acrylic/metal display stand.
The teeth are natural and have not been mounted to the jaw. There is some restoration to the root of the largest tooth, however this specimen is overall complete and required very little repair or restoration.
About Pappocetus
Pappocetus is a genus of extinct protocetid cetacean. Protocetids are considered to be one of the earliest examples of whale development during the time they were transitioning from land to sea. Fossil records indicate that they are Middle Eocene in age, existing after Pakicetus (earliest known whale) and prior to Zygorhiza (basilosaurid). These protocetids had become much more whale-like in appearance, featuring a more streamlined body with paddle-like forelegs, and hind-limbs that were greatly reduced in size. Their robust teeth and root structures suggest that they were aquatic carnivores, relying on smell and vision as their most important senses for hunting prey. It's unlikely that by this point they had developed echolocation systems used by modern whales.
Pappocetus is a genus of extinct protocetid cetacean. Protocetids are considered to be one of the earliest examples of whale development during the time they were transitioning from land to sea. Fossil records indicate that they are Middle Eocene in age, existing after Pakicetus (earliest known whale) and prior to Zygorhiza (basilosaurid). These protocetids had become much more whale-like in appearance, featuring a more streamlined body with paddle-like forelegs, and hind-limbs that were greatly reduced in size. Their robust teeth and root structures suggest that they were aquatic carnivores, relying on smell and vision as their most important senses for hunting prey. It's unlikely that by this point they had developed echolocation systems used by modern whales.
SPECIES
Pappocetus lugardi
LOCATION
Gueran, Boujdour, Western Sahara, Morocco
FORMATION
Aridal Formation
SIZE
Jaw: 7" wide, Entire specimen: 8.6 x 5"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#219931
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