Fossil Shark Tooth, Middle Miocene, Sharktooth Hill, Bakerfield. California, USA

Description

SIZE :10-40MM

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

Specimen: Shark Tooth

Age: Middle Miocene

Location: Sharktooth Hill, Bakerfield. California, USA

Fossil shark teeth from Sharktooth Hill near Bakersfield, California, USA, provide a remarkable record of prehistoric marine life that thrived in the region during the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago. Sharktooth Hill has become renowned as one of the world’s premier fossil localities for its abundance and diversity of well-preserved shark teeth, offering paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts a unique window into the ancient marine ecosystems.

The fossilized shark teeth found at Sharktooth Hill come from a variety of shark species, both extinct and extant, and other marine organisms. These teeth are often exceptionally well-preserved due to the depositional conditions that prevailed in the Miocene seas. The teeth can range in size, shape, and structure, reflecting the diversity of sharks that inhabited the region during this time.

One of the notable shark species whose teeth are commonly found at Sharktooth Hill is the extinct Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon). Megalodon, often referred to as the largest shark to have ever existed, was a formidable predator that dominated the Miocene seas. Fossilized Megalodon teeth from Sharktooth Hill can reach impressive sizes, providing a glimpse into the awe-inspiring dimensions of this ancient giant.

In addition to Megalodon, other shark species represented in the fossil record include makos, sand sharks, tiger sharks, and the extinct snaggletooth shark (Hemipristis serra). The variety of tooth shapes reflects the different feeding strategies and ecological roles these sharks played in the Miocene marine environment.

Fossil enthusiasts and researchers alike are drawn to Sharktooth Hill not only for the scientific significance of its fossils but also for the thrill of discovery. Collecting fossil shark teeth has become a popular activity in the area, and the finds contribute to our understanding of the paleoecology, biodiversity, and evolution of sharks during the Miocene.

The Sharktooth Hill fossils serve as valuable educational tools, enabling people to connect with the ancient history of California’s seas. Museums and research institutions often showcase these fossils, providing opportunities for the public to appreciate the diversity of marine life that once populated the waters off the coast of Bakersfield millions of years ago.

WILL DIFFER TO PHOTO: The image shows an example of the single specimen you will receive. This will be picked from our stock box graded and with a size approximately within the size range indicated. It will not be the same specimen shown in the photo, the colours, shape, size and style may vary as with any natural item. To guarantee the specimen you receive will be representative by that in photo, we would always recommend the Actual as seen version of this item.