Lot 108
North Africa, early Cretaceous (Lower Albian to Lower Cenomanian), ca. 112 to 97 million years ago. A tooth from a Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, one of the more enigmatic dinosaurs yet largest prehistoric carnivores, reaching lengths of 15 to 16 meters (49 to 52 ft)- the head alone could be 1.68 meters (5.5 ft), easily accommodating about 64 of these knife-like chompers. The tooth is conical and nearly straight without serrations- characteristic of jaws that were built to skewer slippery prey in water- Spinosaurus were semi-aquatic piscivores that cruised along watery environments, hunting fish, and ambushing other dinosaurs that came to the shore to drink- similar tactics to modern day crocodilians. The upper enamel is a warm umber brown hue, and the lower two thirds are the root with a sandy beige and rougher surface. The tooth is displayed upright on a custom stand which is fully removable. Size: 6" L x 1.375" W (15.2 cm x 3.5 cm)
The Spinosaurus is a genus of the theropod dinosaur which lived in what is now North Africa, from the lower Albian to lower Cenomanian states of the Cretaceous period, they are the largest known carnivorous dinosaur and one of the most mysterious to scientists, despite having first been discovered in Egypt in 1912. Spinosaurus literally means "spine lizard," and had long spines growing from its back vertebrae which formed a sail - the sail alone was up to 7 feet long! Recent evidence suggests that this was the first dinosaur that we know of who was able to swim, with short hind limbs like early whales and a long and slender snout with teeth perfect for catching food in the water. It lived in the swampy environment of Cretaceous North Africa, feeding on sawfish, sharks, large lungfish, and even terrestrial prey!
Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#171626
- Condition: Repaired. Stable fissures on tooth as shown. This is mounted on a custom stand but is fully removable.
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