Two Rooted Mosasaur (Prognathodon) Teeth In Rock - Morocco

Here is a piece of rock that features two rooted teeth from the mosasaur, Prognathodon. This specimen is from the Upper Cretaceous phosphate deposits in the Oulad Abdoun Basin of Morocco. The largest tooth measures 4.66" long and has a repaired crack near the tip. The second tooth is still attached to a small section of jaw.

Rooted mosasaur teeth like these are not common finds, as nearly all of the "rooted" teeth you see for sale have composite roots. This plate is rather special as it highlights two exquisite, rooted teeth in association with a smattering of other bone shards. A partial Otodus tooth and a partial Enchodus tooth can also be found within the rock.

Comes with an acrylic display stand.

Prognathodon was a large, successful mosasaur from the late Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era. Mosasaurs were aquatic carnivorous reptiles related to modern monitor lizards and snakes. There are many species of Prognathodon found all over the world, suggesting that this genus had a worldwide distribution. Most Prognathodon species were around 15-18 feet (5-6 meters) in length, but the largest species, P. saturator was around 40 feet (13 meters) in length. Several adaptations, mainly of the jaws and teeth, indicate Prognathodon seemed specialized for hunting prey in deeper waters. These include specialized dentition for cracking open hard-bodied prey and slicing through their flesh, as well as reinforced eyes and eye sockets for withstanding deep ocean pressure.

It comes from the massive phosphate deposits in the Oulad Abdoun Basin near Khouribga, Morocco. These deposits are mined for phosphate, one of Morocco's biggest exports. The fossils are collected as a byproduct of the mining operations, saving them from certain destruction by the rock crusher.

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