A newly-discovered mosasaur species, Carinodens acrodon, has been found in Morocco’s Sidi Chennane phosphate mine. The species belongs to the mosasaurid genus Carinodens and is characterized by its low, rectangular, compressed teeth.
Unlike other mosasaurs, which had conical or recurved teeth for catching fish and cephalopods, Carinodens acrodon’s teeth were adapted for crushing hard-shelled invertebrates. The species’ unique dental features include relatively small size, long and slender jaws, and a tooth morphology that sets it apart from other vertebrates.
Carinodens acrodon lived during the late Maastrichtian age, around 67 million years ago, and coexisted with two other Carinodens species: Carinodens minalmamar and Carinodens belgicus. Its fossilized remains were found in Morocco, while other species of Carinodens have been reported from various localities worldwide.
The discovery of Carinodens acrodon expands our knowledge of this enigmatic animal and suggests that mosasaurs may have had a more diverse diet than previously thought. With well-preserved upper and lower jaws, the fossil provides valuable insights into the evolution of mosasaurid diversity in Morocco during the late Maastrichtian period.
The researchers believe that Carinodens acrodon’s unique features suggest it was a small durophage that rapidly radiated into new niches. However, the diet and feeding strategy of this species remain unclear, highlighting the need for further research into the ecology of mosasaurs during this time period.
Source: https://www.sci.news/paleontology/carinodens-acrodon-13558.html