Is This A Whale Vertebra?

[Kurufossils 139]

This piece was found in a pleistocene deposit off the New Jersey coast and was labeled as Whale, hard to find any comparisons so I am unsure this is the case though its likely, any help on this will be appreciated. measures 3 x3 x 2 1/2 in 

[Brett Breakin' Rocks 1,624]

3 hours ago, Ryann10006 said:

ersey coast and was labeled as Whale

Hi There,

 

Not very good with my vertebrate fossils but that is definitely not a whale vert. With the ball and socket .. convex/concave more likely something like a reptile perhaps ?  Turtle or alligator is the direction I would lean in my online searches. Hopefully someone will be by with a more specific ID.

 

Cheers,

Brett

[Kurufossils 139]

@Brett Breakin' Rocks yeah I knew something was up with the ball and socket joint, thanks for a point in better direction with this one.

[Rockwood 3,313]

3 hours ago, Brett Breakin' Rocks said:

With the ball and socket .. convex/concave

Isn't this a bit speculative given the condition of the features ?

[caterpillar 850]

I think Rhino

[sharkdoctor 679]

6 hours ago, Rockwood said:

Isn't this a bit speculative given the condition of the features ?

I agree.

[Carl 1,484]

Definitely not a whale. Definitely not a reptile. Not a rhino if NJ Pleistocene and the only fossil rhinos I've ever heard of that are close are from the Miocene of New Jersey farther inland. This looks like a mammal cervical to me. Maybe a cow or horse. Not necessarily Pleistocene either - sadly, modern bones in NJ can turn black incredibly fast.

[Mahnmut 489]

I´d also say terrestrial mammal, whale vertebrae are quite distinct, with relatively flat articulations.

Regards,

j

[Brett Breakin' Rocks 1,624]

5 hours ago, sharkdoctor said:

I agree.

12 hours ago, Rockwood said:

Isn't this a bit speculative given the condition of the features ?

 

Darn, you know, I rolled on that one and got snake-eyes.  I'm normally not a gambler. I blame the beer and the late hour ... but I'm still learning.  No ID's after midnight ... (or is that food ?)

 

At least we have some comparative ungulate material to work with ...

 

Image Credit:

TFF Member Jgradias

 

 

 

[Petalodus12 309]

+1 for mammalian cervical. For me the transverse foramina (holes on either side of the centrum) jumped out as an indication of cervical

[Kurufossils 139]

Thanks for all the help everyone, I'm definitely leaning towards Carl's opinion in this one.