Description
This listing features a genuine fossil snake vertebra from the extinct marine snake species Palaeophis maghrebians, discovered in Eocene deposits of Morocco. This intriguing specimen represents a member of one of the largest snake genera known from the Paleogene, with marine adaptations akin to those of modern sea snakes.
Fossil Type & Species:
- Type: Vertebra (Axial skeleton)
- Genus: Palaeophis
- Species: maghrebians
- A marine-adapted snake with vertebrae optimized for lateral undulatory swimming in aquatic environments
Geological Context:
- Era: Cenozoic
- Period: Paleogene
- Epoch: Eocene (~56 to 33.9 million years ago)
- Depositional Environment: Shallow marine and coastal settings indicating warm tropical conditions conducive to reptilian gigantism
Morphological Features:
- Elongated, laterally compressed vertebra with a high neural spine
- Well-preserved centrum and articulation facets
- Indicative of a powerful, sinuous swimming motion used by aquatic snakes
Scientific Importance:
- Palaeophis is part of the extinct family Palaeophiidae, known for some of the earliest fully aquatic snakes
- These fossils help trace the evolutionary history and ecological diversity of early marine reptiles
Taxonomic Classification:
- Order: Squamata
- Superfamily: Palaeophioidea
- Family: Palaeophiidae
Locality Information:
- Morocco – Eocene marine sediments rich in vertebrate fossils, including early whales, rays, and reptiles like Palaeophis
Authenticity & Display:
All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen pictured is the exact one you will receive.
Please refer to the photograph for full sizing details — the scale cube = 1cm.
This rare Palaeophis maghrebians fossil vertebra is an extraordinary addition to any collection focused on fossil reptiles, marine evolution, or Eocene paleontology.
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