4.3" Plesiosaur Fossil Vertebrae Cretaceous Dinosaur Era Morocco Zarafasaura COA
Location: Khouribga, Morocco
Weight: 9.9 Ounces
Dimensions: 4.3 Inches Long, 2.8 Inches Wide, 1.9 Inches Thick
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The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Plesiosaur Zarafasaura
Zarafasaura Oceanis is classified within the Elasmosauridae family. Its genus name, Zarafasaura, is derived from the Arabic word Aarafa, meaning ‘giraffe,’ and the Greek term Saurus, meaning ‘lizard.’ The species epithet translates to ‘daughter of the sea’ in Latin. This species was first formally described in 2011 by paleontologist Dr. Peggy Vincent of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, alongside her colleagues, based on partial skull fossils discovered in Morocco. Measuring approximately 23 feet (7 meters) in length, Zarafasaura Oceanis inhabited the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago.
Plesiosaurus is just one genus of many that form the family Plesiosauriae. In artistic depictions, many artists do not distinguish between these types of Plesiosaur. Additionally, much of the art depicting the Plesiosaurus is heavily influenced by cryptozooid mythology surrounding the Loch Ness Monster and other similar creatures.
Existed from 228 million years ago to 61.6 million years ago
Lived in a marine environment
Was a carnivore
938 different specimens have been found by paleontologists.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried under the ground for millions of years under tons of pressure tends to be rough. No fossil comes out of the ground whole and perfect. Most fossils have undergone some restoration, while others are altered by man simply to enhance their presentation in different ways. The workers in Morocco do a very professional job of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures; however, commonly, natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.
