{"product_id":"0-8-champsosaurus-gigas-reptile-fossil-vertebrae-cretaceous-hell-creek-fm-mt-coa-06jzz673","title":"0.8\" Champsosaurus Gigas Reptile Fossil Vertebrae Cretaceous Hell Creek FM MT COA","description":"\u003cp\u003eLocation: Hell Creek Formation, Glendive, Montana (Private Land Origin)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 0.4 Ounces \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 0.8 Inches Long, 0.7 Inches Wide, 0.5 Inches Thick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #b45f06;\"\u003eComes with a Certificate of Authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #38761d;\"\u003eThe item pictured is the one you will receive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f1c232;\"\u003eName:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Champsosaurus (Crocodile lizard).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f1c232;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e Carnivore\/piscivore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f1c232;\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Depending upon the species, anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5 meters long. Known locations: Canada and the USA. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(220, 117, 14);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChampsosaurus \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGigas represents a distinct lineage within Choristodera, a diapsid reptile group separate from true crocodilians despite superficial morphological convergence. The genus exhibits a specialized cranial architecture, characterized by an elongated, narrow rostrum consistent with piscivorous feeding strategies, paired with a substantially enlarged braincase that accommodates robust adductor musculature. This anatomical configuration suggests either formidable bite force or rapid jaw closure mechanics optimized for capturing swift aquatic prey. C. Gigas achieved exceptional size within the genus, attaining lengths exceeding 3.5 meters. The taxon's nomenclatural history extends to the nineteenth-century \"bone wars\" between Marsh and Cope, with subsequent taxonomic revision reducing numerous historical species designations to recognized synonymies. Seven extant species are currently validated following nearly 150 years of paleontological investigation. This authentic vertebral element provides direct osteological evidence of this remarkable Cretaceous reptile's skeletal morphology and evolutionary significance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1250\/0441\/files\/Champsosaurus_11zon.jpg?v=1734450227\" width=\"874\" height=\"438\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr id=\"horizontalrule\"\u003e","brand":"Montana 21 6000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52388991926552,"sku":"06JZZ673","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1250\/0441\/files\/5U8A7914_b89f1c47-7b0e-462e-b3e2-9d80aaea63dc.jpg?v=1783717104","url":"https:\/\/www.fossilageminerals.com\/products\/0-8-champsosaurus-gigas-reptile-fossil-vertebrae-cretaceous-hell-creek-fm-mt-coa-06jzz673","provider":"Fossil Age Minerals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}