A fossil remained trapped inside a Japanese museum rock for 30 years. Scientists now think it may belong
A fossil hidden inside a Japanese museum rock for 30 years may belong to a brand new species of mosasaur.
The brief
A fossil specimen that remained trapped in rock within a Japanese museum for 30 years has been identified as a mosasaur premaxilla. Researchers suggest the specimen may represent a previously unknown species.
Coverage from Interesting Engineering, Phys.org, EurekAlert!, and The Times of India emphasizes that this is the first mosasaur premaxilla fossil found in Japan. Reports highlight the reconstruction and key features of the Osaka specimen.
Future developments will depend on the analysis of the specimen's features to confirm whether it is indeed a new species.
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Quick answers
Where was the fossil located?
The fossil was found inside a rock at a museum in Osaka, Japan.
How long was the fossil trapped in the rock?
The fossil remained trapped for 30 years.
What part of the animal was discovered?
The fossil is a premaxilla, marking the first such mosasaur find in Japan.
Coverage (4)
- 30-year-old fossil in Japanese museum may be a brand new species of mosasaur Interesting Engineering · 8h ago
- Reconstruction and key fossil features of the Osaka mosasaur specimen (IMAGE) EurekAlert! · 8h ago
- Japan's first mosasaur premaxilla fossil hints at a new species Phys.org · 8h ago
- A fossil remained trapped inside a Japanese museum rock for 30 years. Scientists now think it may belong The Times of India · 8h ago
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