Product Description
ITEM #
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LMX005
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FOUND
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CONDITION
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NOTE
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INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX - Actual Item - One Only
Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet |
This HIGHLY RARE specimen is a PERFECT, COMPLETE AND UNWORN lower molar cap tooth of a small Early Miocene rhinoceros of the species Menoceras barbouri. It dates back to the ARIKAREEAN AGE, a term used in the scientific community as part of the North American Land Mammal Ages (NALMA). These ages represent periods on the geologic time scale as they relate to this type of fauna. Early Miocene vertebrate fossils are extremely rare in Florida so this is a rare fossil tooth in that respect but it also is an interesting specimen from the prehistoric rhinoceros lineage. The rhinos of the genera Menoceras were about the size of a sheep and lived in herds in the Early Miocene of North America. Males had two forked horns on the snout whereas females had no horns.
This fossil molar tooth is really in amazing condition. It came from a sub-adult rhino so its roots have not formed hence the hollow nature of the crown. The cusps are perfect and unworn. The enamel is spectacular in a banded mix of browns, creams and orange and with a natural luster. The condition and rarity of this specimen make it a top grade example to round out a collection or exhibit on Early Miocene large mammals of North America or the history of the rhinoceros in prehistoric times. NO REPAIR and NO RESTORATION.