Product Description
ITEM #
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CROC023
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ID
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Dyrosaurus sp.
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FOUND
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Phosphate Deposits - Khouribga, Morocco
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AGE
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LOWER EOCENE (YPRESIAN): 56 - 47.8 million years ago
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SIZE
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1.75" and 1.2" long
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CONDITION
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NO REPAIR OR RESTORATION
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Actual Item - One Only
Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet |
This is a finely preserved pair of teeth (two different types found in the jaws) from the crocodyliform Dyrosaurus sp. from North Africa, an extinct semi-aquatic predator from the early Eocene Period. This set shows two of the main types of teeth that are found, grasping narrow, curved teeth, and more robust biting, crushing teeth. Both teeth are intact with a substantial portion of the root. Enamel and preservation on both, is excellent with very light natural feeding wear on the tip. NO REPAIR OR RESTORATION.
Dyrosaurids are members of the crocodyliforms, and are extinct archosaurs that share some features of other crocodylia as well as their semi-aquatic, predator lifestyle. They lived from the Late Cretaceous through the Eocene and their fossils can be found throughout the globe. Dyrosaurus is an extinct genus of the North African ocean-dwelling dyrosaurids. Dyrosaurus was a large reptile that grew to lengths exceeding 5 meters. Its long slender snout and head, combined with sharp, curved teeth, made it an excellent predator for fish which probably, were their main diet.