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Here we offer a jaw fragment of the Triassic amphibian Mastodonsaurus giganteus.
This fossil originates from the Lower Keuper layers (geologically: Lettenkeuper, Erfurt Formation) of Vellberg-Eschenau in Germany. Thesedate back to the Ladinian (Middle Triassic), approximately 240 million years ago.
Vellberg-Eschenau (Baden-Wuerttemberg) is a renowned site where significant fossils of Mastodonsaurus, one of the largest amphibians in Earth's history, have been discovered.
Lifespan: Mastodonsaurus lived about 240 million years ago during the Middle Triassic (Lettenkeuper).
Gigantism: It reached lengths of up to 6 meters. Its flat, massive skull alone could grow up to 1.5 meters long.
Lifestyle: Mastodonsaurus was an aquatic apex predator that hunted in lakes and rivers. It seized its prey with tusks so large they protruded through openings in the upper jaw.
Significance of the Vellberg-Eschenau Site
The region around Vellberg is considered a globally significant site for Triassic vertebrates.
Swampland: What is now the Hohenlohe region was once a vast landscape of swamps and rivers. The rock layers (bonebeds) of Vellberg have yielded massive amounts of bones from Mastodonsaurus as well as other reptiles, such as the crocodile ancestor Batrachotomus. Significant scientific research on these fossil finds continues in Vellberg-Eschenau today. The preservation conditions are unique due to the region's specific geology.
Scientific Analysis: Currently, there is an increased focus on isotope analysis of Mastodonsaurus giganteus teeth. Researchers use this to study seasonal migrations and ecological conditions in Triassic lakes 240 million years ago.
Ontogeny Studies: Vellberg-Eschenau is one of the few places worldwide where the entire development (ontogeny) of Mastodonsaurus can be studied – from tiny larval stages measuring just a few centimeters to giants with 1.5-meter skulls.
Fossil collecting in Vellberg has been prohibited for many years; the site is strictly protected. However, scientific excavations still take place there today. The fossils offered here come from the liquidation of a collection belonging to an elderly collector who found this piece back in the 1970s.
The jaw is in its "as-found" condition and is partially still covered with sediment. It has no manipulations. The dimensions are approximately 6.5 x 4.5 x 2 cm.
Interesting detail: The double row of teeth typical for Mastodonsaurus is clearly visible.
Rarely offered!
SOLD
This fossil originates from the Lower Keuper layers (geologically: Lettenkeuper, Erfurt Formation) of Vellberg-Eschenau in Germany. Thesedate back to the Ladinian (Middle Triassic), approximately 240 million years ago.
Vellberg-Eschenau (Baden-Wuerttemberg) is a renowned site where significant fossils of Mastodonsaurus, one of the largest amphibians in Earth's history, have been discovered.
Lifespan: Mastodonsaurus lived about 240 million years ago during the Middle Triassic (Lettenkeuper).
Gigantism: It reached lengths of up to 6 meters. Its flat, massive skull alone could grow up to 1.5 meters long.
Lifestyle: Mastodonsaurus was an aquatic apex predator that hunted in lakes and rivers. It seized its prey with tusks so large they protruded through openings in the upper jaw.
Significance of the Vellberg-Eschenau Site
The region around Vellberg is considered a globally significant site for Triassic vertebrates.
Swampland: What is now the Hohenlohe region was once a vast landscape of swamps and rivers. The rock layers (bonebeds) of Vellberg have yielded massive amounts of bones from Mastodonsaurus as well as other reptiles, such as the crocodile ancestor Batrachotomus. Significant scientific research on these fossil finds continues in Vellberg-Eschenau today. The preservation conditions are unique due to the region's specific geology.
Scientific Analysis: Currently, there is an increased focus on isotope analysis of Mastodonsaurus giganteus teeth. Researchers use this to study seasonal migrations and ecological conditions in Triassic lakes 240 million years ago.
Ontogeny Studies: Vellberg-Eschenau is one of the few places worldwide where the entire development (ontogeny) of Mastodonsaurus can be studied – from tiny larval stages measuring just a few centimeters to giants with 1.5-meter skulls.
Fossil collecting in Vellberg has been prohibited for many years; the site is strictly protected. However, scientific excavations still take place there today. The fossils offered here come from the liquidation of a collection belonging to an elderly collector who found this piece back in the 1970s.
The jaw is in its "as-found" condition and is partially still covered with sediment. It has no manipulations. The dimensions are approximately 6.5 x 4.5 x 2 cm.
Interesting detail: The double row of teeth typical for Mastodonsaurus is clearly visible.
Rarely offered!
SOLD
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