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Delicate hollow root complete and unbroken
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RARE PLEISTOCENE ALLIGATOR GRASPING TOOTH WITH COMPLETE INTACT ROOT Gilchrist County - Florida, U.S.A. PLEISTOCENE PERIOD (IRVINGTONIAN): 1.7 - 1 million years From an Irvingtonian Era Pleistocene site in Florida, this the very first time we have ever offered such a unique and rare fossil tooth from the alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. In all previous cases, we have offered exceptional teeth but they have always been crowns. This specimen is highly unusual in that it is still attached to not just part of the root but THE COMPLETE ROOT! Furthermore, this delicate hollow root is unbroken. The entire specimen is of the highest and finest quality. Root color is a natural rich walnut brown from the river tannins and the tooth is a remarkably beautiful deep burnt golden hue with top-notch grain. The tooth is also complete and with no wear. This tooth would have been towards the front of the creature's jaws and served to puncture and grasp prey compared to the blunter teeth in the back of the jaws that served to crush the prey. Fragile root has been treated to preserve its condition. It is extremely rare to find a tooth such as this with the root complete and undamaged. First, the nature of river environments is very harsh on fossils. The presence of the root still attached to this tooth indicates that the prehistoric alligator died with this tooth in its jaws and later, this entire specimen fell from the skull and was washed away from the rest of the skeleton, miraculously avoiding any damage. Guaranteed NO REPAIR and NO RESTORATION.The modern alligator as we know it today, has remain unchanged for millions of years. To gain an insight as to the nature of this beast, we can look at what we know from a living alligator. In North America, the alligator is the largest living reptile. Unlike crocodiles that have a narrow jaw and 4th position upper jaw tooth that hangs over the lower jaw when closed, alligators have a broader skull and their 4th upper tooth fits into a socket in the lower jaw, and is concealed when the jaw is shut. Alligators inhabit fresh and brackish marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, bayous, and large spring runs. Their diet mainly consists of fish, birds, small mammal, turtles, snakes, frogs and invertebrates. After emerging from hibernation in April, they mate from that time up until May. The female builds her nest in June. Hatchlings will remain with the mother for as long as 3 years from birth. EXTREMELY RARE AND FIRST TIME OFFERED!!! PRESENCE OF ROOT INDICATES ANIMAL DIED WITH THIS TOOTH - COMPLETE AND INTACT! 2.7" in length overall on the outside curve SOLD MV27-003 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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