Researchers Query Authenticity of Mosasaur Fossil in Morocco Mine

Issues have been raised over the authenticity of a fossil used to explain a mosasaur species that reportedly existed 72 to 66 million years in the past. The fossil, found in a phosphate mine in Morocco, fashioned the premise for the classification of Xenodens calminechari, a marine predator with distinctive saw-like enamel. The 2021 examine that launched this species is now being questioned by researchers, citing inconsistencies within the fossil’s construction and provenance.

Questions Raised About Fossil Authenticity

In accordance to the examine printed in The Anatomical Report, anomalies within the jawbone and enamel have solid doubt on whether or not the fossil is real. Two enamel have been noticed sharing a single tooth socket, a characteristic that contradicts the biology of mosasaurs, which usually have one tooth per socket. Dr. Michael Caldwell, a professor of organic sciences on the College of Alberta, famous that mosasaurs repeatedly changed their enamel, leaving particular person sockets fashioned by the encompassing bone. He defined this discrepancy to Dwell Science, emphasising that the overlap of fabric across the enamel additionally suggests potential tampering.

Fossil Provenance Below Scrutiny

The fossil was unearthed in a area recognized for fossils with cast parts, in response to the examine. Researchers have advocated for computed tomography (CT) scans to confirm its authenticity. Nevertheless, entry to the fossil, held by Nick Longrich, a paleontologist on the College of Tub and lead writer of the unique examine, has confirmed difficult. Henry Sharpe, the lead writer of the newest paper, said to Dwell Science that withholding details about a holotype specimen is unethical, as such specimens have to be accessible for scientific scrutiny.

Requires additional investigation are rising, with researchers emphasizing the significance of verifying the fossil’s authenticity to protect the integrity of scientific data.