#ray dentition fossil

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Ray Tooth Plate Myliobatis sp Aquia Formation Palaeocene Maryland USA Genuine

Fossil Ray – Myliobatis sp. (Eagle Ray Tooth Plate)

Geological Period: Late Palaeocene (Thanetian Stage)

Age: Approximately 59 to 56 million years ago

Formation: Aquia Formation

Locality: Wades Bay, Charles County, Maryland, USA

This listing features a genuine tooth plate from Myliobatis sp., a genus of eagle ray that once inhabited the warm, shallow seas of what is now the Atlantic Coastal Plain of North America. This fossil comes from the Aquia Formation, a well-known Late Palaeocene marine deposit exposed along the Potomac River and its tributaries.

The Myliobatis tooth plate is characterised by its flat, pavement-like structure, composed of interlocking teeth adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. These rays were part of the elasmobranch lineage, related to modern rays and sharks, and played an important ecological role in Palaeocene marine ecosystems.

The Aquia Formation, dating to the Thanetian stage of the Palaeocene, consists of glauconitic sands and silts deposited in a shallow marine environment. Fossils from this formation include a rich variety of shark teeth, ray dentition, bony fish, and marine reptiles.

Actual Specimen Pictured: The item you see is the exact fossil you will receive.

Scale: 1cm cube included in the image for accurate sizing. Please refer to the photo.

Condition: Naturally preserved and stable; some wear consistent with aquatic fossilisation processes.

Excellent for:

Fossil collectors and marine palaeontology enthusiasts

Educational and teaching collections

Natural history exhibits

Thoughtful gifts for lovers of ancient sea life

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

We carefully select each specimen based on authenticity, scientific interest, and visual appeal.

[alphynix]

Tanystropheus is one of the classic Triassic weirdos, a bizarre archosauromorph easily recognizable with its ridiculously long neck.

Mainly known from mid-Triassic deposits on the Swiss-Italian border, dating around 247–235 million years ago, fossils of the species Tanystropheus longobardicus have been found in two different "morphs" – small forms less than 2m long (6'6"), and larger ones up to 6m long (19'8").

For a long time the smaller fossils were thought to be juveniles, but while they certainly had juvenile-looking facial proportions they also had very different teeth compared to the larger forms. They had pointed teeth at the front of their mouths and multi-cusped cheek teeth further back, and the "adults" had jaws containing only the pointed teeth, suggesting very different diets and lifestyles between the two size classes.

Extreme changes in dentition and diet during maturation aren't unheard of in fossil species, but something particularly odd was going on here. Larger forms over 2m long always had just the pointed teeth, and there were no signs of intermediate tooth arrangements at all.

And a new study using x-ray microtomography has given an answer: they weren't actually the same species!

Turns out the smaller Tanystropheus longobardicus were all skeletally mature adults, already fully grown at that size. The larger ones were a completely separate species occupying a different ecological niche to their smaller relatives, and have been named Tanystropheus hydroides in reference to the mythical hydra.

Comparison of the skulls of T. hydroides and T. longobardicus

[ From fig 3 in Spiekman, S. N. et al (2020). Aquatic Habits and Niche Partitioning in the Extraordinarily Long-Necked Triassic Reptile Tanystropheus. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.07.025 ]

While the exact lifestyle of Tanystropheus is an ongoing paleontological argument, Tanystropheus hydroides at least appears to have been much more on the aquatic side of things, with nostrils positioned on the top of its snout and its pointed teeth forming a "fish trap" in its jaws.

Stomach contents suggest it mainly ate fast-moving aquatic prey like fish and cephalopods, but its body wasn't really adapted for strong swimming and so it couldn't have been catching them via active pursuit. Instead it was probably an ambush predator hunting in a similar manner to some plesiosaurs, using its incredibly long neck and relatively small head to carefully approach prey species without the rest of its body startling them, and then catching them with fast snapping sideways lunges.

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[sciencespies]

Independent evolutionary origins of vertebrate dentitions

https://sciencespies.com/nature/independent-evolutionary-origins-of-vertebrate-dentitions/

Independent evolutionary origins of vertebrate dentitions

The origins of a pretty smile have long been sought in the fearsome jaws of living sharks which have been considered living fossils reflecting the ancestral condition for vertebrate tooth development and inference of its evolution. However, this view ignores real fossils which more accurately reflect the nature of ancient ancestors.

New research led by the University of Bristol and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center published in Nature Ecology and Evolution reveals that the dentitions of living shark relatives are entirely unrepresentative of the last shared ancestor of jawed vertebrates.

The study reveals that while teeth evolved once, complex dentitions have been gained and lost many times in evolutionary history and tooth replacement in living sharks is not the best model in the search for therapeutic solutions to human dental pathologies.

Lead author Martin Rücklin from Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, The Netherlands said: “We used high energy x-rays at the TOMCAT beamline of the Swiss Light Source at the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland, to study tooth and jaw structure and development among shark ancestors. These ischnacanthid acanthodians possessed marginal dentitions composed of multiple, successional tooth rows, that are quite unlike the tooth whorls that occur in front of the jaw in acanthodians and across the jaws of crown-chondrichthyans.”

Co-author Professor Philip Donoghue from the University of Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences said: “Dentitions of vertebrates are characterized by an organised arrangement to enable occlusion and efficient feeding over the lifetime of an animal. This organisation and pattering of teeth is thought to originate in a universal development mechanism, the dental lamina, seen in sharks. The condition we see in the successional tooth rows cannot be explained by this mechanism.”

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Bristol. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

#Nature

[readitonce-official]

New technology allows scientists first glimpse of intricate details of Little Foot's life

New technology allows scientists first glimpse of intricate details of Little Foot’s life

IMAGE: Little Foot Fossil skull in Diamond’s beamline I12 view more  Credit: Copyright Diamond Light Source Ltd In June 2019, an international team brought the complete skull of the 3.67-million-year-old Little Foot Australopithecus skeleton, from South Africa to the UK and achieved unprecedented imaging resolution of its bony structures and dentition in an X-ray synchrotron-based investigation…

[kathleenseiber]

Tracing the evolution of vertebrate teeth

The evolutionary roots of teeth and dermal jawbones (cheekbones), the precursor to vertebrate jaws as we know them today, may be older than previously thought.

That information comes thanks to some very modern technology and some very old fossils with surprisingly modern-looking teeth.

Using synchrotron microtomography, a team of Swedish, Czech, French and UK researchers led by Sweden’s Uppsala University took a detailed look at a collection of 400-million-year-old fossils of acanthothoracids – an early fish group closely related to the very first jawed vertebrates – found near the Prague Basin in the Czech Republic a century ago.

Radotina, 409 million years ago. Credit: Jan Sovak

These have been difficult to study by conventional means because the bones cannot be freed from the enclosing rock, but the new imaging technology, which uses intensely bright and laser-like X-rays given off by electrons accelerated to near the speed of light, was able to visualise their internal structure in 3D without harming them.

Follow-up scans at higher resolution taken at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France allowed the researchers to visualise the growth pattern and even the perfectly preserved cell spaces inside the dentine.

“The results were truly remarkable, including well-preserved dentitions that nobody expected to be there,” says Valéria Vaškaninová, lead author of a paper in the journal Science.

The first vertebrates were jawless, but vertebrates now exhibit a variety of teeth and jaws that differ greatly across species in form and function. How and when this transition happened is poorly understood, however.

The work by Vaškaninová and colleagues suggests the jaws and teeth of acanthothoracids, and the way their teeth grew, shared more similarities with bony fish, sharks and even land animals than another early fish group, the arthrodires. Acanthothoracid dentitions are attached to jaw bones, as in bony fish and land animals.

“These findings change our whole understanding of the origin of teeth,” says co-author Per Ahlberg.

“Even though acanthothoracids are among the most primitive of all jawed vertebrates, their teeth are in some ways far more like modern ones than arthrodire dentitions. Their jawbones resemble those of bony fish and seem to be directly ancestral to our own.”

Tracing the evolution of vertebrate teeth published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/

[uk-fossils]

Aetobatus irregularis Fossil Ray Plate | Lower Eocene | Bracklesham Bay Sussex UK | Authentic Fossil with COA | Alice Purnell Collection

Aetobatus irregularis Fossil Ray Plate | Lower Eocene | Bracklesham Bay, Sussex, UK

Step back in time to the Lower Eocene Epoch with this exquisite Aetobatus irregularis Fossil Ray Plate, a testament to ancient marine ecosystems that thrived around 56 to 47.8 million years ago. Discovered in the fossil-rich strata of Bracklesham Bay, Sussex, UK, this rare specimen is part of the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, one of the largest fossil collections globally.

Geology & Fossil Information:

Species: Aetobatus irregularis (Eagle Ray)

Fossil Type: Ray Plate

Geological Period: Lower Eocene (Ypresian Stage, ~56 - 47.8 million years ago)

Location Found: Bracklesham Bay, Sussex, United Kingdom

The Aetobatus irregularis is a member of the eagle ray family, known for its distinctive, flat body and broad dental plates adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. This fossilized ray plate showcases the complex dentition that highlights the evolutionary sophistication of this ancient species.

Key Features:

100% Genuine Fossil Specimen

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity

From the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection

Actual specimen shown – Scale rule squares/cube = 1cm (full sizing available in the photo)

This fossil is perfect for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of paleontology and natural history. The provided photograph depicts the exact specimen you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and authenticity.

Secure this rare Eocene fossil today and own a remarkable piece of prehistoric marine life!

[uk-fossils]

Aetobatus irregularis Fossil Ray Plate | Lower Eocene | Bracklesham Bay Sussex UK | Authentic Fossil with COA | Alice Purnell Collection

Aetobatus irregularis Fossil Ray Plate | Lower Eocene | Bracklesham Bay, Sussex, UK

Step back in time to the Lower Eocene Epoch with this exquisite Aetobatus irregularis Fossil Ray Plate, a testament to ancient marine ecosystems that thrived around 56 to 47.8 million years ago. Discovered in the fossil-rich strata of Bracklesham Bay, Sussex, UK, this rare specimen is part of the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, one of the largest fossil collections globally.

Geology & Fossil Information:

Species: Aetobatus irregularis (Eagle Ray)

Fossil Type: Ray Plate

Geological Period: Lower Eocene (Ypresian Stage, ~56 - 47.8 million years ago)

Location Found: Bracklesham Bay, Sussex, United Kingdom

The Aetobatus irregularis is a member of the eagle ray family, known for its distinctive, flat body and broad dental plates adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. This fossilized ray plate showcases the complex dentition that highlights the evolutionary sophistication of this ancient species.

Key Features:

100% Genuine Fossil Specimen

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity

From the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection

Actual specimen shown – Scale rule squares/cube = 1cm (full sizing available in the photo)

This fossil is perfect for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of paleontology and natural history. The provided photograph depicts the exact specimen you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and authenticity.

Secure this rare Eocene fossil today and own a remarkable piece of prehistoric marine life!

[uk-fossils]

RARE: Heterodontus vincenti British Eocene Shark Tooth, Woolwich Beds, Paleocene-Eocene, Beltinge, Kent, UK

This listing features a genuine Heterodontus vincenti shark tooth fossil from the Woolwich Beds, dating back to the Paleocene-Eocene transition (~56 million years ago). This well-preserved fossil was discovered in Beltinge, Kent, UK, a famous site known for producing high-quality fossil shark teeth from the early Cenozoic era.

What is Heterodontus vincenti?

Heterodontus vincenti was an extinct species of bullhead shark, belonging to the Heterodontiformes family, which still has living representatives today, such as the Port Jackson shark. Unlike open-ocean predators, Heterodontussharks were primarily bottom-dwelling species, known for their unique dentition that allowed them to crush hard-shelled prey like mollusks and crustaceans.

This species' teeth are adapted for a durophagous (hard-shelled) diet, featuring:

🔹 Broad, rounded crushing plates—ideal for breaking apart shellfish and crustaceans

🔹 Well-developed thick enamel—enhancing durability over time

🔹 Distinctive multi-cusped structure—a key characteristic of bullhead sharks

This specimen exhibits exceptional preservation, retaining its crushing morphology, smooth enamel, and overall shape, making it a rare and desirable addition to any fossil collection.

Fossil Details:

✅ Species: Heterodontus vincenti

✅ Fossil Type: Shark Tooth

✅ Geological Formation: Woolwich Beds

✅ Geological Age: Paleocene-Eocene (~56 million years old)

✅ Location: Beltinge, Kent, UK

✅ Authenticity: 100% Genuine Fossil with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological Significance:

The Woolwich Beds are a crucial fossil-bearing deposit from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary, a time of major climate shifts and marine diversification following the Cretaceous mass extinction. These shallow coastal and estuarine deposits preserve a wide variety of marine fossils, including sharks, rays, mollusks, and other invertebrates, making them an important resource for understanding early Cenozoic marine ecosystems.

Why This Fossil is Special:

🔹 Rare British Bullhead Shark Tooth – Heterodontus vincenti fossils are significantly rarer than those of other Eocene shark species.

🔹 Exceptional Preservation – Displays well-defined crushing surfaces and high-quality enamel.

🔹 Museum-Quality Specimen – A highly collectible fossil, ideal for fossil enthusiasts, researchers, and educational displays.

🔹 Guaranteed Authenticity – Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for provenance verification.

📏 Scale Cube = 1cm – Please see photos for full sizing details.

📸 What You See Is What You Get – The specimen in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.

This rare British Eocene shark tooth is a must-have for fossil collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine life.

💎 Don’t miss out on this scientifically significant and highly collectible fossil!

[uk-fossils]

RARE: Heterodontus vincenti British Eocene Shark Tooth, Woolwich Beds, Paleocene-Eocene, Beltinge, Kent, UK

This listing features a genuine Heterodontus vincenti shark tooth fossil from the Woolwich Beds, dating back to the Paleocene-Eocene transition (~56 million years ago). This well-preserved fossil was discovered in Beltinge, Kent, UK, a famous site known for producing high-quality fossil shark teeth from the early Cenozoic era.

What is Heterodontus vincenti?

Heterodontus vincenti was an extinct species of bullhead shark, belonging to the Heterodontiformes family, which still has living representatives today, such as the Port Jackson shark. Unlike open-ocean predators, Heterodontussharks were primarily bottom-dwelling species, known for their unique dentition that allowed them to crush hard-shelled prey like mollusks and crustaceans.

This species' teeth are adapted for a durophagous (hard-shelled) diet, featuring:

🔹 Broad, rounded crushing plates—ideal for breaking apart shellfish and crustaceans

🔹 Well-developed thick enamel—enhancing durability over time

🔹 Distinctive multi-cusped structure—a key characteristic of bullhead sharks

This specimen exhibits exceptional preservation, retaining its crushing morphology, smooth enamel, and overall shape, making it a rare and desirable addition to any fossil collection.

Fossil Details:

✅ Species: Heterodontus vincenti

✅ Fossil Type: Shark Tooth

✅ Geological Formation: Woolwich Beds

✅ Geological Age: Paleocene-Eocene (~56 million years old)

✅ Location: Beltinge, Kent, UK

✅ Authenticity: 100% Genuine Fossil with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological Significance:

The Woolwich Beds are a crucial fossil-bearing deposit from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary, a time of major climate shifts and marine diversification following the Cretaceous mass extinction. These shallow coastal and estuarine deposits preserve a wide variety of marine fossils, including sharks, rays, mollusks, and other invertebrates, making them an important resource for understanding early Cenozoic marine ecosystems.

Why This Fossil is Special:

🔹 Rare British Bullhead Shark Tooth – Heterodontus vincenti fossils are significantly rarer than those of other Eocene shark species.

🔹 Exceptional Preservation – Displays well-defined crushing surfaces and high-quality enamel.

🔹 Museum-Quality Specimen – A highly collectible fossil, ideal for fossil enthusiasts, researchers, and educational displays.

🔹 Guaranteed Authenticity – Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for provenance verification.

📏 Scale Cube = 1cm – Please see photos for full sizing details.

📸 What You See Is What You Get – The specimen in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.

This rare British Eocene shark tooth is a must-have for fossil collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine life.

💎 Don’t miss out on this scientifically significant and highly collectible fossil!

[uk-fossils]

Lepidotes Fossil Fish Jaw Section with Teeth | Cretaceous Durlston Formation Swanage Dorset UK | Genuine Specimen + COA

Lepidotes Fossil Fish Jaw Section with Teeth

Formation: Durlston Formation

Age: Cretaceous Period (Approx. 145–100 million years ago)

Location: Swanage, Dorset, UK

This listing features a rare and beautifully preserved Lepidotes fossil fish jaw section with teeth, offering an exceptional glimpse into the anatomy of this ancient species. Discovered on December 1, 2024, by our expert team members Alister and Alison, this fossil was excavated from the Durlston Formation in Swanage, an area celebrated for its rich fossil deposits. Meticulously cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, this jaw section is both a scientifically valuable and visually striking specimen.

Species Information:

Lepidotes is an extinct genus of ray-finned fish that thrived in Jurassic and Cretaceous waters. These fish were characterized by their robust jaws and thickly enamelled teeth, adapted for crushing the hard shells of prey like mollusks and crustaceans. The fossilized jaw section showcases the unique dentition of Lepidotes, providing a tangible link to the evolutionary history of ray-finned fishes.

Fossils of Lepidotes are highly sought after by collectors and researchers alike, offering insights into the diversity of ancient marine and freshwater ecosystems. This jaw section, with its visible teeth, is a remarkable representation of the predatory adaptations of this prehistoric species.

Product Details:

Authenticity Guaranteed: 100% genuine fossil with a Certificate of Authenticity included.

Exact Specimen: The fossil in the photos is the exact piece you will receive.

Size: Refer to the scale cube (1 cm) and photos for precise dimensions.

Discovery and Preparation: Found on December 1, 2024, by Alister and Alison, and meticulously prepared by Alison to ensure its exceptional display quality.

Formation and Location: Sourced from the Durlston Formation in Swanage, Dorset, UK.

This fossil fish jaw section with teeth is ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history. Its rarity, historical importance, and scientific value make it a perfect specimen for display, study, or teaching purposes.

Shipping & Handling:

Your fossil will be securely packaged to ensure safe and reliable delivery. International shipping with tracking is available for a smooth purchasing experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own this unique and scientifically significant Lepidotes fossil fish jaw section with teeth. Add this extraordinary piece of Earth’s Cretaceous history to your collection today!