The fossil of Xenodens calminechari, once touted as a revolutionary discovery, is now under scrutiny. This 72-million-year-old mosasaur fossil once believed to be a new species, was recently determined in a new study to potentially be a forgery.
Scientists are asking for more high-tech CT scans to determine whether the fossil is real after unsettling inconsistencies have emerged.
The Origins of Xenodens calminechari
A new mosasaur species, Xenodens calminechari, was announced in 2021, shaking the world of paleontology. The marine reptile is known for its sharp, saw-like teeth and was described to have small, bladelike teeth in a cutting-edge pattern that has never been seen in any species of mosasaur or other tetrapods, Interesting Engineering reports.
Mosasaur species, which are the largest predators and vary in tooth shape to fit their diets, were exciting. The report that Xenodens calminechari possessed such a rare dental feature created a lot of hype. A new team of paleontologists headed by Michael Caldwell re-examined the fossil and began doubting the fossil's authenticity.
"If this fossil is indeed a forgery, it should be established in the published literature that this is a fake," Henry Sharpe, lead author of the new study and a researcher at the University of Alberta said in an interview with Live Science.
Important Anatomical Inconsistencies of the Fossil
The primary aspect that was uncovered by the scientists was the dentition pattern in the fossil. In this regard, unlike what is seen with other known mosasaurs where each tooth sits in its particular socket, in this case, the two sit on one socket. This deviates from what has been observed to be characteristic of the tooth of a mosasaur where it is singly housed and, subsequently, continually cycled in a lifetime.
Caldwell, one of the authors of the new study, pointed out that each tooth crown creates its own house. He believes that this arrangement is not applicable to mosasaurs.
The Question of Provenance
Another major concern surrounding the Xenodens calminechari fossil is its unclear origin. The fossil was reportedly found in a phosphate mine in Morocco's Khouribga province, a region notorious for producing fossils with potentially altered or forged features.
Fossils from this area often lack the reliable documentation provided by paleontologists working in controlled environments.
The lack of clear provenance, coupled with the unusual anatomical features, prompted calls for verification using advanced imaging technologies like computed tomography (CT) scans.
CT scans could reveal whether the fossil's internal structures and material densities align with genuine fossil material or if alterations have been made to mislead researchers.
Resistance to Verification
Resistance from its custodian, Nick Longrich, has so far hindered the verification of the authenticity of the Xenodens fossil.
The study can be found in The Anatomical Record.
Longrich, a paleontologist in charge of the initial study on the fossil, queried the intentions of the researchers in scanning it in CT. This act of reluctance to reveal information about the holotype, which is the official specimen establishing the existence of the species, has fueled worries about the legitimacy of the fossil in question.
Experts in the field have responded to the concerns raised by the new study, supporting the claims. Independent researchers have echoed calls for transparency and further examination of the issue at hand, calling for the importance of scientific integrity in paleontology.
Implications for Paleontological Research
The controversy surrounding the Xenodens underlines the increasing challenges in fossil research, especially in areas where fossil excavation is less regulated. For instance, Morocco does not have comprehensive legislation to protect its fossil heritage, leaving room for potential forgery or unethical practices in the fossil trade.
Wahiba Bel Haouz, a researcher at Hassan II University Casablanca, emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the ethical handling of fossils. She calls for tighter controls to ensure that specimens not verified or falsified do not enter circulation.
If the Xenodens fossil is eventually confirmed to be a forgery, then it will become a wake-up call for paleontologists and researchers. The episode calls for the need for transparency, detailed documentation, and the use of advanced technologies to verify the authenticity of fossils.
