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Polycotylid lower jaw?


msantix

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Hi,

 

Saw this and I think it is a small lower Polycotylid jaw (possibly from Manemergus or Thililua) and I wanted to get some opinions on it. It comes from near Goulmima in Morocco and is 42cm in length. Thank you!

 

1251578897_plesiosaurjaw1.thumb.jpg.ea2216913e4b391422ec61c005a80e25.jpg226951827_plesiosaurjaw3.thumb.jpg.9c7e18f521f2bf6736f70e5dd4c2ef20.jpg582615463_plesiosaurjaw4.thumb.jpg.aa1452937bc2d72bd5941f67ba6bcd20.jpg

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Yup, you got it. Lower jaw of a polycotylid, based on size most likely Manemergus anguirostris. Here's another fragment, the top one (the bottom one is a dolphin, for comparison):

 

 

Comparison-dolphin-mandible-vs.-polycotylid-mandible-03.jpg.ae1934fac122392ba5ce8ae5297dc83d.jpg

 

The specimen in your photograph could use a lot of work still in terms of preparation - sandblasting, repairs, etc. - but it's very cool to have a complete set of mandibles with symphysis.

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