GLOBIDENS MOSASAUR TOOTH IN MATRIX
Phosphate Beds -
PERIOD - 65 million years ago
This rare mosasaur tooth specimen was
excavated from the phosphate mine region in Khouribga,
Morocco. Globidens teeth are uncommon but this is the first time we
have ever offered one still attached to its original matrix.
A real gem of a specimen, this is an absolute must for fanciers of mosasaurs. The enamel is
completely intact and crown is undamaged and in perfect preservation. A spectacular AAA quality
rarity of a species seldom available in ANY condition.
NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION. A portion of the root is still
attached to the crown.
This rare species of mosasaur is named from the unique globular shape of its
teeth. The name GLOBIDENS is derived from the two Latin words globus meaning "globe, sphere" and dens
"tooth". These globular teeth are one of the chief characteristics
of this relatively small and highly specialized mosasaur.
it's short and massive head outfitted with thick jaws lined with these
blunt, bulbous teeth, Globidens could crush hard-shelled mollusks like
ammonites, clams, snails and possibly the shells of tortoises. The
side-to-side structural strength needed from tearing and holding prey in
the teeth of other mosasaur species is not necessary for
Globidens. The Globidens mosasaur did not feed on large, thrashing
prey like fish, pterosaurs, sharks and even other mosasaurs. The
massive and deep roots typical in the teeth of other mosasaur species
necessary in the teeth of a Globidens as all the pressure was straight
down onto the tooth in the crushing operation of feeding. Because
of this use and the nature of what was eaten, the base of Globidens
teeth are constricted, possess a small root and are covered in a
wrinkled enamel to prevent slippage as the shell of its prey is
crushed. Also lacking in the Globidens are functional pterygoid
teeth, teeth in the back of the throat to hold and prevent partially
swallowed prey from escaping, that are also a characteristic of other
mosasaur varieties. The
estimated size of this mosasaur is 18 - 20 feet with a skull of 19
inches in length.
RARE HIGH GRADE TOOTH STILL ATTACHED TO ITS ORIGINAL MATRIX!
3" x 2.5" overall with matrix, tooth is .65" long
Actual Item - One Only