Produced by: Manoj Kumar
A 2021 study describing the mosasaur Xenodens calminechari is under scrutiny for possible forgery, with discrepancies in tooth placement and jaw structure raising red flags.
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Research led by Henry Sharpe of the University of Alberta shows that two teeth in one socket conflict with known mosasaur biology, where each tooth normally has its own socket.
Indicators such as unusual “medial overlap” of teeth and inconsistent socket formation suggest the fossil may have been artificially altered, according to Michael Caldwell.
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The fossil, found in Morocco’s Khouribga phosphate mines, originates from a region known for fakes, complicating its authenticity and raising concerns about provenance.
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Attempts to verify the fossil through CT scans have been hindered. Sharpe highlights the unethical refusal to share access to the holotype specimen for further study.
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Paulina Jiménez-Huidobro from the University of Bonn confirms that the tooth arrangement is highly unusual, supporting doubts about the fossil’s authenticity.
Wahiba Bel Haouz emphasizes the lack of fossil preservation laws in Morocco, urging foreign scientists to collaborate with local experts to avoid relying on dubious samples.
Sharpe’s team faced resistance from the original authors, complicating efforts to use CT scans to confirm the fossil’s authenticity—a step crucial for resolving the debate.
The controversy underscores the need for transparency and collaboration in paleontology to protect the field’s integrity and ensure authentic discoveries.
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