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LONG DELICATE PTEROSAUR FLYING REPTILE TOOTH - Tegana Formation - Kem Kem, Morocco MIDDLE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 96 million years ago Pterosaur fossils were only recently attributed to a species in 1999 from the Mid-Cretaceous deposits of the southern border of Morocco. To date, the only pterosaur species named from Morocco is Siroccopteryx moroccoensis. This species is very large though, with an estimated wingspan of nearly 20 feet. We observe other pterosaur teeth that are found in the same deposits that lack the characteristics and size of this named species. It is likely that there are at least two other completely different and undescribed species still yet to be studied in this region. Only jaw fragments and teeth have been discovered from Morocco and much has yet to be learned about this fascinating flying reptile from prehistory. This tooth came from another species of pterosaur other than Siroccopteryx. It is extraordinarily slender. Entire tooth is intact except for ONE MILLIMETER on the tip which is missing. Considering the odd nature and uncommonness of this specimen, this does not detract. This specimen is from a yet to be named pterosaur from North Africa. Classic wrinkled enamel is well displayed.
At least 60 genera of pterosaurs have been found with sizes ranging from a sparrow to monsters with wingspans in excess of 40 feet! The wings were thin membranes of skin, similar to the wings of bats, and extended along the sides of the body. They were attached to the extraordinarily long fourth finger of each arm. The bones were hollow and had openings at each end. Unlike typical reptiles, pterosaurs had a breastbone that was developed for the attachment of flight muscles and a brain that was more developed than comparable dinosaurs of similar sizes. There is no fossil evidence of feathers. Most researchers now believe that pterosaurs were adapted for active flight, not just gliding as was earlier believed. HIGHLY UNUSUAL DELICATE PROFILE - CLASSIC WRINKLED ENAMEL 1.75" long along the curve x .5" thick at base! $115 DT4-010 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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The
Pterosaur was a flying reptile (commonly referred to as Pterodactyl
"wing finger") of the order Pterosauria. They existed from
the late Triassic to the Cretaceous Periods (228 - 65 million years ago)
with the earlier Triassic species having long, fully toothed jaws and long
tails. The later forms had a stump for a tail, no teeth and a jaw
more like a beak than the elongated jaw of the earlier species. 