A 72-million-year-old mosasaur fossil, once hailed as a unique species, may be fake, according to a new study. Researchers claim that the fossil’s structure and origin contain inconsistencies that raise concerns about its authenticity.
The original study described the fossil as Xenodens calminechari, a one-of-a-kind species of mosasaur with “small, short, bladelike teeth packed together to form a saw-like cutting edge.” However, further review revealed potential contradictions in mosasaur anatomy and raised questions about the fossil’s provenance.
One key issue is the arrangement of the teeth. In known mosasaur species, each tooth sits in its own socket, supported by bone developed from the tooth itself. But in the Xenodens fossil, two closely packed teeth share a single socket, which contradicts established reptilian anatomy.
The fossil was reportedly unearthed in Morocco’s Khouribga province, a region known for producing fossils with modified or forged features. Lack of reliable documentation and potential access issues have hindered efforts to verify the fossil’s authenticity.
Researchers are now urging CT scans to confirm the fossil’s authenticity, which could reveal internal structures and material densities that distinguish original fossil material from potential alterations or fabrications.
If the fossil is proven to be a forgery, it would highlight broader challenges in paleontological research and underscore the need for transparency, thorough documentation, and advanced analytical techniques to uphold the integrity of paleontology.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/fishy-fossil-72-million-old-130437123.html