12" Mosasaur Prognathodon Fossil Jaw In Matrix Teeth Cretaceous Dinosaur Era COA
Location: Oued Zem, Morocco
Weight: 7 Pounds 9.1 Ounces
Dimensions: 13.8 Inches Long, 5.7 Inches Wide, 3.2 Inches Thick (Matrix)
Jaw Dimensions: 12 Inches Long, 4 Inches Wide, 1.2 Inches Thick
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100 - 66 Million Years old, Upper Cretaceous, Maastrichtian Epoch.
Name: Prognathodon (Forejaw tooth).
Named By: Dollo - 1889.
Diet: Carnivore.
Size: Depending upon the species, Prognathodon could range between 6 and possibly just under 14 meters in length.
Known locations: Fossil locations suggest a worldwide distribution, but are especially well known from Europe and North America.
Time period: Campanian to Maastrichtian of the Cretaceous.
Prognathodon, a late Mosasaur, exhibited a distinctive predatory approach resembling that of early basal placodont reptiles like Placodus from the Triassic period. This adaptation involved a diet focused on hard-shelled organisms such as shellfish, ammonites, and turtles. For many years, its feeding habits were hypothesized based on dental and jaw structure alone. However, early 21st-century discoveries in Canada provided comprehensive evidence of both its complete anatomy and dietary preferences. One fossil specimen contained remnants of turtles and ammonites in the stomach area, along with a 160-centimeter fish, indicating that Prognathodon was not only a specialized predator but also opportunistic in its feeding behavior.
Prognathodon had a robust and heavy jaw that would have been capable of withstanding a high bite force supplied by powerful jaw muscles. However, it’s the teeth that should receive special note, as not only are they strong and well-adapted for crushing, they have serrations that can be seen under much more detailed inspection. This makes the teeth specialized for a dual purpose, destroying the protective shells of prey while shearing the flesh within. Another specialization is the presence of bony rings around the eye sockets. This is seen as a deep-water adaptation for the eyes to better withstand the higher water pressure of deep water, something which may have often been necessary when diving for ammonites.
The reason Prognathodon shifted to this diet, despite mosasaurs generally being seen as apex predators of other reptiles and fish, remains uncertain. It might have been that intense competition for the apex predator niche pushed Prognathodon to adapt to different food sources, avoiding direct competition with other predators. Alternatively, the decline in large prey animals traditionally associated with mosasaurs could have driven a dietary shift. It may also have been to take advantage of an abundant food supply. What is clear is that Prognathodon was not alone in this dietary adaptation; another mosasaur, Globidens, also had notably large, rounded crushing teeth suitable for such a diet.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried under the ground for millions of years under immense pressure can be quite rough. No fossil is ever found completely intact and perfect. Most fossils require some restoration, and some are even modified by humans to improve their appearance. Moroccan workers are highly skilled in carefully excavating and preserving these natural treasures; however, natural cracks often appear on the surface. These cracks are part of the fossil's natural charm and are not seen as flaws.
