Dagger-Toothed Mosasaur Found in Morocco’s Ancient Seas
An international team has discovered Khinjaria acuta in Morocco’s phosphate deposits, a mosasaur with dagger-shaped teeth. The discovery confirms the dominance of these giant marine reptiles shortly before the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Paleontologists from the University of Bath and the National Museum of Natural History in Paris unearthed this reptile in the Oulad Abdoun Basin. Named for its razor-sharp dentition, this formidable predator occupied a prime position at the top of the food chain in ancient oceans.
On Bladi.net : New Mosasaur Species with Unique Star-Shaped Teeth Discovered in Morocco
With a short snout and exceptionally fine teeth, Khinjaria acuta hunted fast-moving prey in marine ecosystems that were far more diverse than those of today. This unusual morphology reflects the advanced specialization of mosasaurs just before the major biological crisis at the end of the Cretaceous.
This discovery coincided with the recent 18th International Symposium on Early Vertebrates, held in Berrechid—the first such event on the African continent. The event brought together more than one hundred experts from around the world, highlighting the strategic importance of Morocco’s phosphate deposits for understanding the evolution of species.
On Bladi.net : Moroccan Fossil Discovery Unveils Thriving Dinosaur Diversity Before Extinction Event
The Oulad Abdoun Basin remains one of the richest fossil sites in the world. Every specimen extracted from the mines near Casablanca enables scientists to document precisely the complex food webs that shaped global biodiversity before the disappearance of the great reptiles.
