North Africa, Morocco, Late Cretaceous, ca. 80 to 70 million years ago. A remarkable and well-preserved mosasaur skull, showcasing the fearsome teeth and powerful, hinged jaws of this prehistoric marine predator. Notably, the specimen includes the pterygoid teeth positioned in the throat - an adaptation that helped secure prey and enabled mosasaurs to swallow massive chunks or even whole animals in one bite! These apex predators had streamlined bodies, flattened tails, and webbed limbs, resembling flippered crocodiles as they dominated the seas of the Late Cretaceous. Fossil evidence suggests they preyed on fish, sharks, and even smaller mosasaurs, cementing their status as formidable oceanic hunters. A truly striking specimen for collectors and enthusiasts alike!
Size: 16" L x 6" W (40.6 cm x 15.2 cm); 13.75" H (34.9 cm) on included custom stand; tooth: Size: 0.8" L x 0.6" W (2 cm x 1.5 cm)
Provenance: Private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection
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#192108
Condition
Professionally prepared. Restoration with new material. Teeth have losses and chips, some are reattached and some might not be original to this skull.