bkotrba Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 I recently acquired a fossil vertebrae that was dug up in Florida. I don't know too much about it, so I would love any info that could be given. I was told that it dates to the Miocene, and that it is a vertebrae from a whale. I've done a little research on the area, but haven't been able to narrow down what it might actually be from. The fossil is pretty large, about 5.5 inches across. It is quite worn though, and I know that it might make identifying the species impossible, but if someone could help me with any information, I'd appreciate it greatly. I have more pictures, and I will post them as soon as possible. Thanks a ton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixgill pete Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 yes it is a whale vert. Probably is from the Miocene. Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt behind the trailer, my desert Them red clay piles are heaven on earth I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers May 2016 May 2012 Aug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 Oct 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Mud Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 Looks like a whale vert to me. These usually are not diagnostic enough to tell you any more except maybe to separate between a baleen and toothed whale. The baleen whale verts tend to be larger. Note how the top has a "crinkly" appearance. This is because the epiphysis has popped off. See this post: http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/3395-need-help-reassembling-a-whale-vertebra/ and you can see a vertebra with the epipjyses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boesse Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 It's probably a lumbar vertebra of a small baleen whale, and a good candidate for its stratum of origin would be the Bone Valley Fm. based on the coloration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 FYI: vertebra is the singular; vertebrae is the plural. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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