North Africa, Upper Cretaceous, ca. 80 to 66 million years ago. A fossilized mosasaur skull with articulated jaws and teeth, likely from a juvenile individual. This striking specimen preserves the elongated snout and powerful hinged jaws lined with sharp conical teeth, along with visible pterygoid teeth set along the palate that helped grip struggling prey. Such an adaptation allowed mosasaurs to seize and swallow large portions of prey, sometimes whole, like a giant snake. These formidable marine reptiles possessed streamlined bodies, laterally flattened tails, and paddle-like limbs, moving through warm shallow seas in pursuit of fish, sharks, and other prey. During the Late Cretaceous they achieved a broad global distribution across ancient oceans and inland seaways. Size: 12" L x 4" W (30.5 cm x 10.2 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand; largest tooth: 0.8" L x 0.35" W (2 cm x 0.9 cm)

Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

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#201322

Professionally prepared. Expected restoration and repairs, but 65% or more original material. Chips and losses to enamel on teeth. Comes with display stand.