編號 98240382

鯨魚 - 牙齒化石 - Basilosaurus - 6.8 cm
編號 98240382

鯨魚 - 牙齒化石 - Basilosaurus - 6.8 cm
→ 6.8cm long x 4.6 cm wide
This is a marvellous specimen consisting of Basilosaurus molars (full +partial molar) embedded in section of jaw.
Basilosaurus is an ancient and extinct whale which lived around 34 to 41 million years ago.
The jaws of Basilosaurus featured front canines and back molars. The teeth of Basilosaurus are very unique and have special shapes and bends.
The presented specimen is probably the molars at the junction where the jaw bends upwards. Technically speaking at the part where mandible bends towards ramus bone for eventual attachment with the skull.
One very interesting feature of this fossil is its underside where the roots of molars have beautifully fossilized & mineralized along with the jaw bone.
Last but not the least, the characteristic feature of this fossil are the caramel colored molars themselves with unique triangular ridges. Scientists have seen clear evidence by investigating Basilosaurus fossils that these molars were used to crush and shear its prey but it is now also being theorized that these molars had a secondary role as well in the form of filter feeding just like in present day crab eating seals. These seal take a big gulp of krill-filled water, then the excess water is squeeze out leaving the krill in the mouth to feed on. So, its possible, that Basilosaurus also did some sort of filter feeding as well. So, Basilosaurus exhibited characteristics of both modern day whales of being filter feeder like Baleen whales and predatory toothed-whale like Orcas & Sperm whales.
Detailed photos have been provided for reference. By its first looks, it seems to be a really really old fossil!!
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