Plesiosaurus fossil Tooth zarafasaura oceanis specimen 2.7″

Plesiosaurus tooth rare Fossil Skull vertebrae bones Dinosaur

This 2.7-inches fossilized tooth belonged to a Late Cretaceous plesiosaur species, specifically Zarafasaura oceanis. Researchers discovered it in the phosphate deposits of the Oulad Abdoun Basin in Morocco.

This tooth specimen is of significant interest to fossil collectors and museums, providing valuable insights into the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of plesiosaurs during the Cretaceous period.

Pleiosaurus Skull

Plesiosaurs, ancient marine reptiles characterized by their long necks and four flippers, emerged during the Triassic period and went extinct alongside the dinosaurs at the close of the Cretaceous period. Some species grew to immense sizes, reaching lengths of up to 17 meters, and they primarily preyed upon slow-moving aquatic creatures. Plesiosaurs were air-breathing animals that gave birth to live young, and indications suggest scientists may have considered them warm-blooded.

Zarafasaura Ocenis Fossil vertebrae bones

Zarafasaura oceanis is a genus of reptile that belongs to the group of herbivorous hadrosaurid ornithopods. It lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 90 million years ago, in what is now modern-day Morocco. Paleontologists named the genus in 2019, and they found its fossils in the Sidi Chennane Basin and the Kem Kem Beds, a famous fossil-rich formation known for its diverse reptile fauna. Zarafasaura is notable for its unique cranial features, including a tall, thin, and forward-projecting nasal crest, which distinguishes it from other hadrosaurids. The species name “oceanis” derives from the Greek word for “ocean,” reflecting the marine environment in which researchers discovered the fossils.

Fossil Skull

Plesiosaurus was a genus of large marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically the Jurassic Period, around 205 to 66 million years ago. These creatures belonged to a group called plesiosaurs, characterized by their long necks, streamlined bodies, and flippers.

Plesiosaurus had a unique appearance, with a small head at the end of a long, flexible neck, which it used to hunt for fish and other prey in the ancient seas. It had a relatively small body compared to the length of its neck and tail. Its four flippers were adapted for propulsion in water, allowing it to navigate efficiently.

Although often depicted in popular culture as fierce predators, Plesiosaurus likely fed on small aquatic creatures like fish, squid, and possibly even mollusks. Researchers have found fossils of Plesiosaurus in Morocco and Europe, where they discovered the first specimens in the early 19th century.

Pleiosaurus ZARAFASAURA OCENIS

Overall, Plesiosaurus is a fascinating example of the diverse and often bizarre marine life that inhabited the ancient oceans millions of years ago. Additionally, its unique features and adaptations shed light on the complexity of prehistoric ecosystems.

Plesiosaur vertebrae

Plesiosaurus Zarafasaura Skull

Plesiosaurus Skeleton