Ancient Sea Monster discovered in Morocco
A remarkable discovery in Morocco has shed light on a mysterious ancient marine predator, Carinodens acrodon, a small but highly specialised mosasaur that roamed the oceans during the late Cretaceous period. This fossil find provides unprecedented insights into the evolution of mosasaurs, a group of marine reptiles that dominated the seas before the extinction of the dinosaurs. The specimen, which includes well-preserved upper and lower jaws, is the most complete example of Carinodens acrodon to date, offering critical clues about its diet, behaviour and ecological role.
The new evidence highlights the extraordinary diversity of mosasaurs, showcasing how these ancient predators evolved unique adaptations to exploit different ecological niches. The discovery is not only significant for understanding Carinodens acrodon itself but also provides a broader perspective on the evolution of marine ecosystems during the Maastrichtian age.
The fossil, found in late Maastrichtian deposits in Morocco, is a groundbreaking addition to the paleontological record. Unlike previous Carinodens fossils, which were often incomplete, this find includes both upper and lower jaws, allowing researchers to examine the animal’s unique tooth morphology in detail.
The discovery has highlighted Carinodens acrodon’s unique adaptations, which set it apart from other mosasaurs. According to the study, early mosasaurids, including basal species, had relatively simple teeth adapted for consuming small prey such as fish and soft-bodied cephalopods. “Early, basal mosasaurids had small, conical, and recurved teeth, an adaptation for preying on relatively small prey such as fish and soft-bodied cephalopods,”
University of Bath paleontologist Nicholas Longrich and his colleagues wrote in a paper in the journal Diversity. By contrast, later mosasaurs displayed an incredible range of tooth morphologies, reflecting their diverse diets. (Daily Galaxy)
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