Peace River 4/29/2024

[Shellseeker]

Some days the finds are fewer, but I am always satisfied with the River,  the Sun, the birds. Plus , I need the exercise.

Lots of small shark teeth, a couple of Mammoth frags, half of an interesting Whale Bulla..., some odds and ends plus two for identification..

 

This Dolphin periotic.  I was pleased to see it in a late afternoon sieve.

I should be able to Identify the dolphin given a little sleep and time,  but if anyone wants to step in and provide a species ID,  that is good also,

A few photos from different angles..

and

 

Second,  A more difficult ID, but I thought it might be possible.  This usually means thinking of every mammal possible in the Peace River and go on the Internet looking at Verts with a process of elimination.

Does the pattern of the bone imply marine mammal ?

 

A few more photos... That process should help us in the ID.  

[Shellseeker]

Update on the Dolphin Periotic:

Here is an Identification from Bobby 10 years ago on a somewhat similar periotic.

Quote

This is nearly identical to Eurhinodelphis from Europe, and therefore is probably a eurhinodelphinid. Specifically, it is probably Xiphiacetus, a common odontocete in the Calvert Fm.

 

I think it is similar enough in size and shape that my find is likely an Eurhinodelphinid ... Species undetermined.  but I have some looking to do as I narrow it down.

https://www.thefossilforum.com/topic/51094-periotic-bone/

 

On the Vertebra,  I think I have a good possibility. 

1)  The size of the centrum tells us that this is a small mammal, maybe not as small as Racoon or possum,  but small . So an animal that is about 4 feet long. Maybe coyote or armadillo. 

2) Note the articulation facet hanging off the process bottom right of 2nd photo. 

 

Here is one from PrehistoricFlorida...

 

and another from a dealer in the UK,  both Nate's version and this one from Dasypus Bellus.

 

@Balance Good photos to save for comparison to small vertebra you might find in your sieve.

That's a pretty good possibility.  I would be interested in other possibilities.  Thanks

[Fin Lover]

For anyone who hasn't seen it, Bobby has a guide to IDing periotics at https://coastalpaleo.blogspot.com/2023/01/bobbys-guide-to-whale-dolphin-earbones.html?m=1

 

[Balance]

We are Armadillo heavy lately! 
 

Thanks, Jack! 
 

Maybe after I ID every carpal and tarsal of Florida mammals I’ll start on verts! 😉

 

Jp

[johnnyvaldez7.jv]

1 hour ago, Balance said:

I’ll start on verts! 😉

Yes.