Mosasaurs were a group of marine reptiles that lived during the late Cretaceous period, about 80 to 66 million years ago. They were the apex predators of their time and could grow up to 50 feet in length. Recently, a team of paleontologists has unearthed the fossil of a mosasaur with unusual screwdriver-like teeth that have never been seen before. In this article, we will discuss the discovery of this fascinating fossil and its implications for our understanding of these prehistoric creatures.
The Fossil of the Mosasaur
The fossil of the mosasaur was discovered in a quarry in Morocco, where many fossils of marine reptiles have been found in the past. The fossil is believed to be from the Late Cretaceous period, about 72 million years ago. It is a partial skeleton, with some of the skull bones, vertebrae, and limb bones preserved. What makes this fossil unique is the presence of bizarre teeth in the upper jaw.
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The Bizarre Teeth
The teeth of the mosasaur are usually conical and sharp, ideal for catching and tearing prey. However, the teeth of this particular mosasaur are different. They are long, curved, and resemble the shape of a screwdriver. The tips of the teeth are pointed, and the base is broad and flattened. The teeth are about 1.5 inches long, which is relatively long for a mosasaur tooth.
What Was the Function of the Teeth?
The function of these teeth is still unclear. According to the lead author of the study, Nick Longrich, these teeth could have been used to catch prey that was hiding in crevices or holes. The screwdriver-like teeth could have been inserted into the crevices, and the broad base could have been used to pry the prey out. The teeth could also have been used to crack open shells of mollusks or crustaceans.
The Implications of the Discovery
The discovery of the mosasaur with screwdriver teeth is significant because it adds to our understanding of the diversity of these prehistoric creatures. Mosasaurs were already known to have a wide range of teeth shapes and sizes, but this discovery shows that there was even more variation than previously thought. The discovery also highlights the fact that we still have much to learn about these fascinating creatures that ruled the oceans millions of years ago.
So, the discovery of the mosasaur with screwdriver teeth is an exciting development in the field of paleontology. The unique teeth of this prehistoric creature add to our understanding of the diversity of mosasaurs and how they adapted to their environment. Further research on this fossil and others like it could shed more light on the behavior and ecology of these fascinating creatures.
Reference: Longrich, N. R., et al. (2023). A mosasaur with bizarre screwdriver teeth from the Late Cretaceous of Morocco. Cretaceous Research, 125, 104870.
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