VERY LARGE AND PRISTINE T. REX TOOTH. ...

Description

VERY LARGE AND PRISTINE T. REX TOOTH
Tyrannosaurus rex
Late Cretaceous - 65-68 million years old
Hell Creek Formation, Garfield County, Near Jordan, Montana

Tyrannosaurus rex was the largest, most powerful carnivorous dinosaur of all time, and the largest land carnivore of any type in our Earth's history. It measured up to 43 feet in length and weighed up to 8 tons. Its massive skull measured up to 5 feet long and was lined with huge spike-like teeth that were bigger than the teeth of any other theropod dinosaur. Its skull was narrow in the front and extremely wide in the back, allowing for the eye sockets to point well forward and indicating the presence of excellent binocular vision, which would be necessary to effectively intercept its prey on the run. The neck was short and the neck muscles huge to support the gigantic skull and absorb the shock of impact during the very violent attacks that T. rex would initiate as it would slam into its prey, mouth first, at high speed. T. rex teeth were very robust so that they would more effectively transmit the energy of impact into the victim's body and gouge, rather than cut, huge chunks of flesh out of the prey as T. rex bore down with its powerful jaws. T. rex had the greatest biting force of any large theropod, so it appears that the great jaw strength was an evolutionary adaptation to its unique open-mouthed crash hunting style. The evidence clearly shows that Tyrannosaurus rex was truly the "King of Dinosaurs".

T. rex teeth have been described by a famous paleontologist as "deadly bananas" and this tooth epitomizes that description. It exhibits gorgeous, pristine surfaces and perfect serrations on both the anterior and posterior cutting edges. The tooth possesses exquisite natural luster and the most beautiful colors running from yellow-brown to reddish dark chocolate-brown, nicely accented by dark blotches and checking. Approximately 10% of the tooth surface has been restored, primarily at the base of the posterior serrate row and a 1/4 section of the tooth base. This superb quality tooth measures 3 ¼ x 1 ½ x 1 1/8 inches thick.

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