Fossil Snake Vertebra Paleophis Eocene Morocco Genuine Prehistoric Reptile Bone

Description

Fossil Snake Vertebra – Paleophis from the Eocene of Morocco

This specimen is a genuine fossil snake vertebra from the extinct genus Paleophis, recovered from Eocene-age deposits in Morocco. Dating back approximately 56–34 million years, this fossil represents one of the most fascinating marine snakes of the Paleogene period. Paleophis snakes were part of the Paleophiidae, a family of large aquatic serpents that thrived during the Eocene, adapting to life in warm, shallow seas.

Geological Context – The Eocene of Morocco

The Eocene epoch was a time of significant evolutionary radiation for mammals, reptiles, and marine life following the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous. In Morocco, Eocene strata are well known for their abundance of vertebrate fossils, especially reptiles and marine fauna. The fine sediments of these deposits provided an excellent environment for fossilisation, preserving delicate bone structures such as snake vertebrae with remarkable clarity.

Fossil Type – Vertebra of Paleophis

This specimen is a vertebra from the snake genus Paleophis, a marine snake thought to have lived along coastal and estuarine environments. Vertebrae are among the most commonly preserved elements of snakes due to their abundance in the skeleton and their robust structure. Paleophis vertebrae are particularly distinctive, with elongated centra and adaptations for aquatic locomotion. These features reveal the evolutionary pathway of snakes that returned to marine environments after their terrestrial origins.

Species and Morphology – Paleophis

Paleophis was an extinct genus of snakes that reached impressive lengths, with some species estimated at over 9 metres (30 feet). The morphology of their vertebrae shows adaptations for powerful undulatory swimming, making them formidable marine predators. Unlike modern sea snakes, Paleophis is believed to have hunted large fish and possibly other marine reptiles.

Key morphological traits of Paleophis vertebrae include:

• Elongated centra with flattened surfaces.
• Expanded neural arches suggesting strong muscle attachments for swimming.
• Distinctive articulations that differentiate them from terrestrial snake vertebrae.

Scientific and Educational Significance

Paleophis fossils hold immense value for paleontologists studying the early radiation of snakes and their return to aquatic habitats. Their remains offer insight into:

• Marine reptile evolution in the Paleogene.
• Snake diversity and gigantism during the Eocene.
• Paleoecological reconstructions, showing how marine ecosystems were structured after the extinction of mosasaurs at the end of the Cretaceous.

This specimen provides a direct link to an important evolutionary story – the adaptation of snakes to life in the sea – making it an exceptional teaching specimen as well as a prized collector’s fossil.

Authenticity and Display

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photos show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. Each fossil is carefully chosen for its preservation, scientific importance, and aesthetic appeal.

This Paleophis snake vertebra fossil from the Eocene of Morocco is a striking piece of natural history that connects us to a time when enormous marine snakes thrived in warm prehistoric seas. A unique specimen for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of reptilian evolution.