Is the Newly Discovered Mosasaur Species a Fossil Forgery? Scientists Raise Doubts
In 2021,the finding of a cretaceous jaw with unusual teeth in a Moroccan mine led scientists to identify a new species of mosasaur,Xenodens calminechari. Though, recent research casts doubt on the authenticity of these fossils, sparking a heated debate in the paleontological community.
The controversy stems from a December 16, 2024, study published in Anatomy Notes, where researchers from the University of Alberta highlighted inconsistencies in the original findings. Henry Sharpe, who led the study, emphasized that if their suspicions are confirmed, “it shoudl be established in the published literature that this is false.”
The original Discovery
The 2021 study, led by Nicholas R. Longrich of the University of Bath, described Xenodens calminechari as a mosasaur with a unique “tooth battery”—a saw-like arrangement of small, blade-like teeth. This feature, unprecedented in tetrapods, was based on an incomplete jawbone unearthed in a Moroccan phosphate mine. The fossil was dated to between 72.1 and 66 million years ago, placing it firmly in the Late Cretaceous period.
Mosasaurus, a giant marine lizard, was one of the ocean’s top predators during this era, with some individuals growing up to 56 feet (17 meters) long. The discovery of Xenodens calminechari was hailed as groundbreaking,but Sharpe and his team have since raised red flags.
The Case for Forgery
Sharpe’s team identified several anomalies in the fossil.For instance, two surviving teeth in the jaw where found resting in a single tooth socket—a feature inconsistent with mosasaur anatomy. Michael Caldwell, a co-author of the study, explained that mosasaur teeth develop from individual bones, not the jawbone, meaning each tooth should have its own socket.
“Every time one of these teeth is removed and falls out, there will be a large hole left. And that’s because the next tooth will go into that hole to rebuild the entire tissue so that it is firmly anchored in the jaw,” Caldwell told Live Science.Additionally,the researchers noted the presence of a “possible adhesive” and overlapping tissue on two teeth,which they argue could indicate tampering. These findings, combined with the fossil’s questionable provenance—it was “obtained non-scientifically (without technical supervision) from an area in Morocco that produces many manipulated or falsified specimens”—have fueled suspicions of forgery.
The Path Forward
To resolve the debate, Sharpe’s team has called for CT scans of the fossil. These scans could reveal whether the teeth and jaw belong to the same creature or if they were artificially combined. However, it remains unclear whether the necessary resources will be allocated for this analysis.
For now, the scientific community is left in limbo. As Sharpe tweeted on December 17, 2024, “Our refutation of ‘Xenodens’ is now published open access in The Anatomical Record: this strange ‘shark-toothed’ mosasaur is most likely fake and not diagnostic.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Discovery | Xenodens calminechari identified in 2021 based on a jawbone from Morocco. |
| Unique Feature | Saw-like “tooth battery” arrangement, unprecedented in tetrapods. |
| Controversy | Researchers suspect the fossil might potentially be a forgery due to anatomical anomalies.|
| Key Anomalies | Teeth in a single socket, possible adhesive, and overlapping tissue. |
| Next Steps | CT scans needed to confirm authenticity. |
A Cautionary Tale
This case underscores the challenges of paleontology, where the allure of groundbreaking discoveries can sometimes overshadow the need for rigorous scrutiny. As Sharpe and his team have shown, even the most exciting findings must withstand the test of scientific rigor.
For now,the story of Xenodens calminechari serves as a reminder to approach extraordinary claims with caution—especially when they come with unusual teeth.
For more on the fossil record of mosasaurs,explore this comprehensive analysis.
Is the Newly Discovered Mosasaur Species a Fossil Forgery? Experts Weigh In
In 2021, the revelation of a Cretaceous-era jawbone with a unique “tooth battery” in a Moroccan phosphate mine led scientists to identify a new species of mosasaur, Xenodens calminechari. Though, recent research has cast doubt on the authenticity of these fossils, sparking a heated debate in the paleontological community. To shed light on this controversy, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter,a renowned paleontologist specializing in marine reptiles,to discuss the implications of these findings and the ongoing debate.
The Original Discovery: A Groundbreaking Find or a Misinterpretation?
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, the 2021 discovery of Xenodens calminechari was initially hailed as groundbreaking. Can you explain what made this fossil so unique?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. The fossil was remarkable because of its “tooth battery”—a saw-like arrangement of small, blade-like teeth. This feature is unprecedented in tetrapods, which made it an exciting find.The jawbone was dated to the Late Cretaceous period, around 72.1 to 66 million years ago, and it seemed to represent a fully new species of mosasaur. Mosasaurs were already fascinating creatures, being apex predators of thier time, so this discovery added a new layer to our understanding of their diversity.
The Case for forgery: What raised Red Flags?
Senior Editor: Recently, Dr. Henry Sharpe and his team raised concerns about the authenticity of the fossil. What are the key anomalies they identified?
Dr. Emily Carter: The team highlighted several inconsistencies. For example, they found two teeth resting in a single tooth socket, which is highly unusual for mosasaurs. In mosasaurs, each tooth develops from its own bone and should have its own socket. Additionally, they noted the presence of what appeared to be adhesive and overlapping tissue on two teeth, which could suggest tampering.These anomalies, combined with the fossil’s questionable provenance—it was obtained without scientific supervision from an area known for producing manipulated specimens—have led to suspicions of forgery.
The Path Forward: How Can We Resolve the Debate?
Senior Editor: What steps are being taken to determine whether the fossil is authentic or a forgery?
Dr. Emily Carter: The most promising approach is to conduct CT scans of the fossil. These scans could reveal whether the teeth and jawbone belong to the same creature or if they were artificially combined. Though, securing the resources for such an analysis can be challenging. Until we have definitive evidence,the scientific community remains divided. Dr. Sharpe’s team has already published their refutation, but the debate is far from over.
A Cautionary Tale for Paleontology
Senior Editor: What lessons can the scientific community take away from this controversy?
Dr.Emily Carter: This case serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous scrutiny in paleontology. The allure of groundbreaking discoveries can sometimes overshadow the need for careful examination. It’s crucial to approach extraordinary claims with caution, especially when they involve unusual or unprecedented features. Transparency in the provenance and handling of fossils is also essential to avoid similar controversies in the future.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Discovery | Xenodens calminechari identified in 2021 based on a jawbone from Morocco. |
| Unique Feature | Saw-like “tooth battery” arrangement, unprecedented in tetrapods. |
| Controversy | Researchers suspect the fossil might be a forgery due to anatomical anomalies. |
| Key Anomalies | Teeth in a single socket,possible adhesive,and overlapping tissue. |
| Next Steps | CT scans needed to confirm authenticity. |
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this fascinating and contentious topic. We look forward to seeing how this debate unfolds in the coming months.
Dr.Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s an importent discussion,and I hope it encourages greater transparency and rigor in our field.
