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VERY LARGE SIROCCOPTERYX PTEROSAUR FLYING REPTILE TOOTH WITH FEEDING WEAR 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. With an estimated wingspan of nearly 20 feet, this anhanguerid ranks amongst the largest pterosaurs known. There have been comparisons of this creature to other anhanguerid species known from the Early Cretaceous of Brazil. Only jaw fragments and teeth have been discovered from Morocco and much has yet to be learned about this fascinating and giant flying reptile from prehistory. This tooth from a Siroccopteryx is
VERY large and complete with a fascinating worn tip from extensive
feeding. The tip is rounded and features no modern breakage.
Tooth is extraordinarily large and with the unworn tip, would have
likely approached THREE INCHES! It is
a beautiful rich red and orange color and features characteristic superb
enamel as
seen above. For the discriminating collector or the finest
specimens. Tooth is complete with only fractures repaired but NO
FABRICATION.
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. UNCOMMONLY LARGE TOOTH - COMPLETE AND RARE!!! 1.75" long along the curve x .5" thick at base! SOLD DT4-009 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. 