A new study has raised red flags over an ancient sea monster fossil found in Morocco’s phosphate mine. The mosasaur species, named Xenodens calminechari, was described by scientists in 2021 based on a partial jaw bone and four sharp teeth. However, researchers are now calling for computed tomography (CT) scans to verify whether the creature’s origin is genuine.
The study suggests that the fossil may be a forgery due to discrepancies found in its development, such as two teeth sitting in one socket instead of each having its own socket. This contradicts known mosasaur biology, where each tooth has its own socket.
CT scans could provide answers about the fossil’s authenticity, but reaching out to the original researchers proved problematic. The lead author of the 2021 paper, Nick Longrich, asked if the new study was writing a paper and what its angle was, which raised immediate red flags among the researchers.
The findings are supported by other experts, who agree that the “dentition looks unusual” in both morphology and implantation. A lack of legislation to protect and preserve Morocco’s fossil heritage also raises concerns about forgeries.
Researchers now hope to get a closer look at the fossil using CT scans to determine its origin. If the fossil is indeed a forgery, it will be essential to establish this fact in published literature to prevent further misuse of the discovery.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/extinct-species/red-flags-raised-over-ancient-sea-monster-pulled-from-moroccan-mine