XL 4.8" Mosasaur Prognathodon Fossil Tooth Rooted Cretaceous Dinosaur Era COA
Location: Oued Zem, Morocco
Weight: 4.8 Ounces
Dimensions: 4.8 Inches Long, 1.6 Inches Wide, 1.1 Inches Thick
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The item pictured is the one you will receive.
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 to possibly just under 14 meters in length.
Known locations: Fossil locations suggest a worldwide distribution, but are especially well-known in Europe and North America.
Time period: Campanian to Maastrichtian of the Cretaceous.
Prognathodon, a late Mosasaur, exhibited a unique predatory style reminiscent of early Triassic placodont reptiles like Placodus. It focused on hunting hard-shelled prey such as shellfish, ammonites, and turtles. For years, its diet was assumed from its teeth and jaw, but significant finds in Canada in the early 2000s unveiled both its full body and true eating habits. One fossil showed turtle and ammonite remains in the stomach area, along with a large 160 cm fish, proving that Prognathodon was not only highly specialized but also adaptable in its feeding, making this fossil tooth a remarkable glimpse into its fascinating world.
Prognathodon featured a sturdy, heavy jaw capable of withstanding a significant bite force generated by strong jaw muscles. Its teeth are particularly noteworthy, as they are not only durable and suited for crushing but also have serrations visible upon closer examination. These serrations enable the teeth to serve a dual function: breaking through prey shells and shearing flesh. Additionally, the presence of bony rings around the eye sockets suggests an adaptation for deep water, helping the eyes withstand increased pressure—useful when diving to hunt ammonites.
Why Prognathodon shifted to this type of diet, given that mosasaurs are usually seen as top predators of other reptiles and fish remains uncertain. It might have been that competition for the ecological niche of apex predator was so intense that Prognathodon had to adapt to a different food source to survive, eliminating competition. Alternatively, the decline in large prey animals traditionally linked to mosasaurs could have driven a dietary switch. It might also have been a strategy to exploit an abundant food supply. What is clear is that Prognathodon was not alone in this dietary adjustment; another mosasaur, Globidens, also had notably large, rounded crushing teeth.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried underground for millions of years under pressure is rough. No fossil is perfect or unaltered; many undergo restoration or alteration to enhance appearance. Moroccan workers professionally unearth and preserve these fossils, though natural surface cracks are common and part of their natural beauty, not defects.
