Ancient Shell-Crushing Sea Predator Discovery Reshapes Mosasaur Family Tree

In a groundbreaking discovery from Morocco's phosphate mines, scientists have identified a new species of mosasaur that offers fresh insights into the evolution of these fascinating marine reptiles. The newly described species, named Carinodens acrodon, lived approximately 67 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.

The fossil remains, unearthed from the Sidi Chennane phosphate mine in Morocco's Khouribga province, reveal unique dental adaptations that distinguish this species from its relatives. Unlike its cousins, C. acrodon possessed distinctive tall-crowned teeth with triangular tips and broad bases, suggesting it represents a more primitive branch of the Carinodens family tree.

What makes this discovery particularly significant is the unprecedented preservation of both upper and lower jaws, providing paleontologists with the most complete picture yet of any Carinodens specimen. The species shared its ancient marine habitat with two other known members of its genus: Carinodens minalmamar and Carinodens belgicus.

Nicholas Longrich, a paleontologist at the University of Bath and the study's lead author, emphasizes the exceptional diversity of mosasaur fossils found in Morocco. These marine reptiles demonstrated remarkable ecological adaptations right up until the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event.

The Carinodens genus stands out as a unique branch of the mosasaur family. While most mosasaurs were large predators, Carinodens species were relatively modest in size, reaching only two to three meters in length. They evolved specialized teeth perfectly suited for a diet of hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks and crustaceans - a feeding strategy known as durophagy.

These specialized teeth featured a distinctive low profile and compressed shape, with finely interconnected enamel patterns that made them particularly effective at crushing shells. This adaptation represents a significant departure from their ancestors, which primarily hunted fish and soft-bodied prey.

The findings, published in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute's journal Diversity, contribute valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these remarkable marine predators and their diverse feeding strategies during the late Cretaceous period.