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Mosasaur Skeleton. Platecarpus sp.. Late Cretaceous. Smoky Hill Chalk Member, Niobrara Formation. Kansas, USA...
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Description
Mosasaur SkeletonPlatecarpus sp.
Late Cretaceous
Smoky Hill Chalk Member, Niobrara Formation
Kansas, USA
The Western Interior Seaway, also aptly known as the Cretaceous Seaway, existed as a large inland sea that effectively split the North American continent in two. Mosasaurs were apex predators of the time, and Platecarpus ("flat wrist") was a medium-sized variety of mosasaur that roamed and dominated those ancient waters preying on a variety of aquatic fauna. The giant predatory marine creature was a "sea monster" during the Late Cretaceous and was characterized by a unique skull structure with a short skull with fewer teeth than other mosasaurs and an elongate down-turned tail. The marine creature also boasted prominent "steering" flippers and conical, pointed teeth. A variety of mosasaur is the State Marine Fossil of Kansas, so it is no surprise this spectacular skeletal specimen originated from the iconic Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the renowned Niobrara Formation in the western section of the Sunflower State. Weighing some 300 to 400 pounds (136 to 181 kilograms), this spectacular piece consists of a giant mosasaur measuring a colossal 18 feet 6 inches (5.6 meters) in a partial curving position on a matrix presentation.
The fossil dates back approximately 80+ million years ago and evidences a superb preservation as well as an expert restoration that results in this striking museum-quality example designed to be wall mounted. The piece features a "French Wedge" with a 4 foot (1.2 meters) by 6 foot (1.8 meters) board matching an attachment with a 40 degree angle to facilitate secure installation. The slab measures approximately 11 feet 7 inches (3.5 meters) by 5 feet 11 inches (1.8 meters). Massive in both terms of the fossil skeleton as well as the overall rock, this show-stopping specimen offers further attributes evidencing its singularity as a top-quality example of the variety. A little over 2 feet (0.6 meters) of the caudal (tail) section has been reconstructed, but the majority of the fossil is in outstanding condition, with excellent preservation. The contrast of the dark brown fossilized bone, with the stark white background, and light brown color of the matrix results in an ideal display specimen. Ancient shark teeth were found with the fossil, and there are shark tooth bite marks on the ribs. Most impressive, there is evidence of a rare and uncommon soft tissue preservation on the neural spine of several of the caudal (tail) vertebrae.
The combination of its outstanding quality, enormous size and visual aesthetics results in a transcendent fossil worthy of any significant private or institutional collection. This monster still looks dominant today.
Overall Measurements: 138.96 x 70.92 inches (352.95 x 180.13 cm)
(Photos courtesy of Jon Blum.)
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