17.7″ Original Thalassotitan Atrox Jaw rare fossilized for sale

u17.7″ Specimen Thalassotitan atrox Jaw Rare Fossil Dinosaur Cretaceous

This is a Specimen 17.7″ fossil Thalassotitan Atrox jaw section originates from the Phosphate Deposits near Khouribga, Morocco, showcasing a portion of the mandible (lower jaw) from the right side of a mosasaur skull. The specimen features prominent foramen and boasts six fully visible teeth, along with a few unerupted ones. While the attribution of these teeth to this specific jaw remains subject to debate, some may have been intentionally embedded for aesthetic purposes. The jaw exhibits signs of repair and stabilization,

Mosasaurs, formidable marine reptiles that dominated the seas 90 million years ago, emerged as apex predators during the last 20-25 million years of the Cretaceous period. Following the extinction of ichthyosaurs and the decline of plesiosaurs, mosasaurs diversified to become prolific hunters across various oceanic habitats. This specimen offers a unique glimpse into the ancient world of mosasaurus.

The Mosasaurus is a fascinating prehistoric marine reptile that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70-66 million years ago. It belonged to a group of reptiles called mosasaurs, which were closely related to modern-day monitor lizards and snakes.

Thalassotitan Atrox

Thalassotitan Atrox Jaw (“titan of the seas”) is an extinct genus of large mosasaurus (a group of extinct marine lizards) that lived during the late Maastrichtian of the Cretaceous period in what is now Morocco, around 66 million years ago. The only known species is T. atrox, which researchers described in 2022 based on fossils they discovered in the Ouled Abdoun Basin, an area where many other mosasaurus have been found. They assigned it to the tribe Prognathodontini, grouping it with other mosasaurus such as Prognathodon and Gnathomortis. Scientists distinguish the prognathodontines from other mosasaurs due to their massive jaws and robust teeth.

Mosasaurus was a large and powerful predator, known for its streamlined body, long tail, and powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth. It was an apex predator of the oceans during its time, likely preying on a variety of marine animals such as fish, squid, and smaller marine reptiles.

Mosasaurus

These creatures thrived in their marine habitat, using flippers for swimming and a tail fin for propulsion. Some species grew to impressive lengths, exceeding 50 feet (15 meters).

Mosasaurus has fascinated many through its appearances in popular culture, such as “Jurassic World” and documentaries about prehistoric life. Fossil hunters have found remains of Mosasaurus worldwide, contributing to our understanding of ancient oceans and their inhabitants.