Description

Phytosaur Crocodile Tooth in Matrix

Species: unknown phytosaur

Age: Triassic Period, 210 million years old

Location: Arizona, USA

Formation of Origin: Chinle

With a name meaning “the plant lizard,” phytosaurs were originally misidentified as herbivores from a weathered tooth that appeared to resemble the rounded nubs of a plant eater. We now know that these are an ancient form of reptile that predates the crocodiles, though they share many features, behaviors, and traits. This branch of reptiles eventually went extinct at the beginning of the Jurassic as they were eventually outcompeted by other species, and the climate shifted dramatically.

Phytosaurs had a wide range of teeth depending on their location in the jaw, and each had a specific purpose. Longer, more conical teeth were near the front for grabbing and ripping during an initial attack, while stubbier and more acutely conical teeth were towards the back to help shred meat after it was already brought down.

Each comes with a stand and a Certificate of Authenticity.