Abstract
Mosasaurs were diverse in the Upper Cretaceous in Africa, but relatively little is known about the mosasaur fauna of Egypt. Here, associated teeth and postcranial skeletal elements are reported for a mosasaur from the Maastrichtian Dakhla Shale of the Dakhla Oasis. The specimen includes tooth crowns, cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae, and ribs. Teeth and bones exhibit features allowing referral to Prognathodontini. The teeth are relatively straight and blunt, suggesting affinities with Prognathodon overtoni or P. currii. Prognathodontins were important predators in the Maastrichtian of Africa, previously being recorded in Morocco, Congo, and Angola.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 60-75 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Fossils |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 9 Nov 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Dec 2023 |
Funding
Funding: This research was funded by New Valley University.
Funders | Funder number |
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New Valley University |
Keywords
- Dakhla Oasis
- Egypt
- Maastrichtian
- Mosasauridae
- Prognathodon
- Upper Cretaceous
- Western Desert
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Palaeontology