For the first time in Northeast India, fossilized teeth of Titanosaurian sauropods have been discovered in the South West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. This discovery, made by the Palaeontology Division of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), marks a significant addition to the paleontological record of the region.
Key Details of the Discovery:
• Location and Timing: The teeth were found in Mawphuli village near Ranikor. The fossils were discovered in January of this year, but the announcement was postponed until all necessary procedures were completed.
• Geological Context: These teeth are from the Mahadek Formation, which dates back to the Upper Cretaceous period, specifically the Maastrichtian stage (72.1 million to 66 million years ago).
• About the Teeth: Two teeth were found, differing in size and color. One is smaller, chocolate brown on the crown with a narrow, ferrous-stained pulp cavity, while the larger tooth is yellowish with a distinct crown-root transition and a D-shaped cross-section.
Significance of the Discovery:
• This find provides insight into the diversity and distribution of Titanosaurian sauropods in India during the late Cretaceous period.
• The discovery contributes to filling a gap in the stratigraphical record of these dinosaurs, enhancing our understanding of their geographical spread during prehistoric times.
Global Context: Similar Titanosaurian teeth have been identified in formations across Argentina, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Australia, underscoring the widespread nature of these dinosaurs during the late Cretaceous.
This discovery not only highlights the rich paleontological heritage of Meghalaya but also sets the stage for further explorations that could provide more insights into the ancient life forms that once roamed this region.
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