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Fossil of Mosasaur with Bizarre 'Screwdriver Teeth' Found in Morocco

A team of paleontologists has discovered a new species of mosasaur in Morocco with unique teeth that resemble screwdrivers. The fossil was found in the phosphate mines of the Oulad Abdoun Basin, near the city of Khouribga. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of these ancient marine reptiles and their feeding habits.

What is a Mosasaur?

Mosasaurs were a group of large, predatory marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70-100 million years ago. They were closely related to modern-day snakes and lizards and were among the top predators in the oceans at the time. Mosasaurs had long, streamlined bodies, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth that were adapted for catching fish, squid, and other marine animals.

The Discovery

The new species of mosasaur, named Xenodens calminechari, was discovered by a team of paleontologists from Morocco and France. The fossil was found in a layer of sediment that dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, around 72 million years ago.

What makes Xenodens calminechari unique is its teeth. Unlike other mosasaurs, which had conical or blade-like teeth, Xenodens had teeth that were shaped like screwdrivers. These teeth were used to crush hard-shelled prey such as clams and snails.

The Significance

The discovery of Xenodens calminechari is significant because it provides new insights into the feeding habits and evolution of mosasaurs. The screwdriver-shaped teeth suggest that these reptiles were able to adapt to different types of prey and environments.

The discovery also highlights the importance of phosphate mines as a source of fossils. Phosphate deposits are rich in fossils from the Late Cretaceous period, and many new species of dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and other animals have been discovered in these mines in recent years.

Conclusion

The discovery of Xenodens calminechari is a fascinating addition to our understanding of the evolution and diversity of mosasaurs. The unique teeth of this new species provide valuable insights into the feeding habits and adaptations of these ancient marine reptiles. As more fossils are discovered in phosphate mines around the world, we can expect to learn even more about the fascinating creatures that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.

FAQs

1. What is a mosasaur?

A: Mosasaurs were a group of large, predatory marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70-100 million years ago.

2. What makes Xenodens calminechari unique?

A: Xenodens had teeth that were shaped like screwdrivers, which were used to crush hard-shelled prey such as clams and snails.

3. Where was Xenodens calminechari discovered?

A: The fossil was found in the phosphate mines of the Oulad Abdoun Basin, near the city of Khouribga in Morocco.

4. Why are phosphate mines important for paleontology?

A: Phosphate deposits are rich in fossils from the Late Cretaceous period, and many new species of dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and other animals have been discovered in these mines in recent years.

5. What can we learn from the discovery of Xenodens calminechari?

A: The discovery provides new insights into the feeding habits and evolution of mosasaurs, and highlights the importance of adaptation to different types of prey and environments.

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