Stelladens mysteriosus

May 22, 2023

The Late Cretaceous period, between 100.5 and 66 million years ago, was a time when dinosaurs ruled the land and the oceans were inhabited by mosasaurs, large predatory lizards. These fearsome aquatic reptiles, which went extinct in a cataclysmic event that wiped out 90% of all species on Earth, were rapidly evolving until the devastating asteroid impact. Recent discoveries in Africa, particularly in Morocco, have shed light on these ancient marine creatures and their unique features.

Unveiling Stelladens Mysteriosus: A New Mosasaur Species

A remarkable paleontological finding in the Oulad Abdoun Basin of Morocco has brought to light a new species of mosasaur called Stelladens mysteriosus. This enormous sea-dwelling lizard, roughly twice the size of a dolphin, has captured the attention of scientists due to its distinct teeth, unlike anything ever seen before.

Teeth Like No Other: Blade-like Ridges and Unconventional Morphology

The teeth of Stelladens mysteriosus possess extraordinary features that have baffled researchers. They exhibit blade-like ridges reminiscent of a cross-head screwdriver, making them highly unusual among mosasaurs and other reptiles. The tooth arrangement of Stelladens mysteriosus suggests that it belongs to an entirely different species with a specialized diet.

Puzzling and Amusing Paleontologists: Unraveling the Feeding Strategy

The unique tooth morphology and feeding strategy of Stelladens mysteriosus have perplexed and amused paleontologists. Researchers describe the teeth as resembling the tip of a Phillips-head screwdriver or a hex wrench. Although the precise diet of Stelladens mysteriosus remains unknown, its stout teeth with distinct wear on the tips indicate predation of small armoured prey such as crustaceans, ammonites, or bony fish.

Unveiling the Astonishing Diversity: Three New Species in Morocco

The discovery of Stelladens mysteriosus adds to the growing list of new species found in Morocco’s Cretaceous deposits. In fact, this year alone, three new species have been unearthed, pointing to the astonishing diversity that thrived during the end of the Cretaceous period. Morocco’s rich fossil record provides invaluable insights into the ancient ecosystems and the remarkable creatures that once inhabited our planet.

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