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Post by Seijun on Feb 12, 2011 0:43:08 GMT
A friend of a friend showed up at work today with a “mosasaur skull” fossil that he got from a friend. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the nostrils were in the wrong spot (tip of the snout), and is was shaped more like a gator. I have no idea what it was, but I don't think it was a mosasaur...
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Post by lio99 on Feb 12, 2011 1:05:02 GMT
It was probably a plotosaurus.
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Post by Seijun on Feb 12, 2011 1:18:02 GMT
As a plotosaur the same problems would still exist. Nasal openings too far forward, croc-shaped snout (heavy indent right before the nasal opening).
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Post by zopteryx on Feb 12, 2011 2:39:42 GMT
There's a whole host of ancient crocodilians. Did he even know if it was from the Mesozoic?
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Post by Seijun on Feb 12, 2011 3:18:11 GMT
No, all he said was it was from a friend who told him it was a baby mosasaur.
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Post by Horridus on Feb 12, 2011 3:22:05 GMT
Mosasaurs aren't exactly known for having a subnarial gap. If it has such a gap, it's probably a crocodilian.
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Post by crazycrowman on Feb 12, 2011 11:06:22 GMT
It might not even be a legit fossil. I know here in the states there are so many all out fake fossils on the market its sickening. Fortunately they are pretty easy to ID as such, especially for someone experienced with fossils. Lots of 100% FAKE croc, turtle & mosasaur material comes out of China & Morocco, along with amalgam (bits of real fossils, sometimes one species, sometimes mixed species making a chimera, all put together with bondo/putty) stuff.
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Post by stoneage on Feb 13, 2011 0:03:36 GMT
If you have a picture of this Mosasaurus fossil Crazy could probably identify it for you!
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Post by Griffin on Feb 13, 2011 23:21:52 GMT
Yeah can you snap a pic of it?
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Post by Seijun on Feb 18, 2011 9:03:05 GMT
The fossil was owned by a friend of my boss's wife. He stopped by for a visit where I work and had the fossil with him to show us. I didn't have my camera and didn't get any pics. Unfortunately, I doubt he will be back. It was a one-time thing I think. Sorry guys I think you are right, that is was either crocodilian or fake.
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