Holotype maxilla of Xenodens calminechari from Sidi Chennane, Morocco
Scientific classification
Domain:
Eukaryota
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Squamata
Clade:
†Mosasauria
Family:
†Mosasauridae
Subfamily:
†Mosasaurinae
Tribe:
†Globidensini
Genus:
†Xenodens Longrich et al., 2021
Species:
†X. calminechari
Binomial name
†Xenodens calminechari
Longrich et al., 2021
Xenodens (from Greek and Latin for "strange tooth") is an extinct genus of marine lizard belonging to the mosasaur family. It currently contains a single species, X. calminechari (From Arabic کالمنشار, meaning "like a saw"), which is known from Late Maastrichtian phosphate deposits in the Ouled Abdoun Basin, Morocco. Its closest known relative is believed to be the durophagous Carinodens.
Reconstruction of Xenodens skull with the teeth (upper left) and its life appearance
Estimated to have measured around 1 meter (3.3 ft) in length,[2] both the genus and type species are named for the mosasaur's short and flattened blade-like teeth that collectively form a set of saw-like jaws. This is a feature that has never been seen in any other tetrapod but converge with the jaws of modern dogfish sharks and piranhas. Based on the feeding behavior of these animals, paleontologists believe that Xenodens used its highly specialized dentition for a broad diet on cephalopods, crustaceans, fish, and scavenged marine reptiles.[1]
^ abLongrich, N.R.; Bardet, N.; Schulp, A. S.; Jalil, N (2021). "Xenodens calminechari gen. et sp. nov., a bizarre mosasaurid (Mosasauridae, Squamata) with shark-like cutting teeth from the upper Maastrichtian of Morocco, North Africa" (PDF). Cretaceous Research. 123: 104764. doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2021.104764. S2CID 233567615.
^Cooper, S.L.A.; Marson, K.J.; Smith, R.E.; Martill, D. (2022). "Contrasting preservation in pycnodont fishes reveals first record of regurgitalites from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Moroccan phosphate deposits". Cretaceous Research. 131 (4). 105111. doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2021.105111. S2CID 244884113.
had a slicing bite like no other, Xenodens calminechari, with life-restoration. Science News, February 2, 2021 Xenodens, a weird shark-toothed mosasaur...
Mosasaurus, Khinjaria and Gavialimimus, as well as smaller mosasaurs like Xenodens, Halisaurus and Pluridens. Marine life portal Paleontology portal Mososauroidea...
Igdamanosaurus, Harranasaurus and Xenodens. Features of the maxilla and digits make the placement of Carinodens and Xenodens in the tribe uncertain; some researchers...
S2CID 251821884. Longrich, N. R.; Bardet, N.; Schulp, A. S.; Jalil, N.-E. (2021). "Xenodens calminechari gen. et sp. nov., a bizarre mosasaurid (Mosasauridae, Squamata)...
basal than the Mosasauridae, its position within Squamata is uncertain. Xenodens Longrich Bardet Schulp Jalil 2021 Valid Morocco Yaguarasaurus Paramo 1994...
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