Fossil bone - 13 cm - 5 cm

Fragment of a sauropod rib with bite marks.

Kem Kem Beds, Morocco (Upper Cretaceous, Cenomanian)

Description
Fragment of a rib belonging to a large sauropod, with a compact and well-preserved bone surface. Clear signs of bite marks are present, arranged in multiple lines: the variable stride of the dental impressions strongly suggests the involvement of at least two different predators/scavengers on the same carcass. Such trophic traces are rare because the chain of events necessary for their preservation is infrequent (biological interaction + rapid burial), making this specimen of significant taphonomic interest.

Provenance and dating.
Continentally exposed deposits of the Kem Kem Beds (Tafilalt, Morocco). Chrono-stratigraphic interval: Cenomanian of the Upper Cretaceous, approximately 100–94 million years ago. The series is divided into the Gara Sbaa formation (lower) and Douira formation (upper).

Conservation
Single fragmentary connection with readable cortical texture; natural patina. The bite marks show clean margins and local deformations consistent with in vivo or peri-mortem dental compression.

Dimensions

Maximum length: 13 cm

Oval section: 5.0 × 3.2 cm


Scientific significance
The find documents predator-prey/scavenging interactions on large sauropods from the North African fluvial systems of the Cenomanian (fauna known for Spinosaurus, Carcharodontosaurus, etc.). Evidence of feeding behavior directly imprinted on the bone is rare in the Kem Kem beds and adds ecological context to a fauna otherwise dominated by isolated remains.

Preparation
Collection piece from a private collection, provenance declared as Kem Kem Beds (Morocco). Light mechanical preparation; no invasive consolidation known (if applicable, specify).

Note for collectors.
Educational and for study piece, ideal for those who collect behavioral traces (bite marks) in addition to the classic osteological remains.