Gomphothere Upper Molar (Shovel-tusked Elephant)

Gomphothere Upper Molar Tooth (Prehistoric Shovel-tusked Elephant)

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Gomphothere Upper Molar (Shovel-tusked Elephant)

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This amazing, complete fossil tooth comes from a Gomphothere - a bizarre prehistoric trunked animal related to elephants, mastodons and mammoths. It was discovered by divers in the Morgan River (Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA) and dates to the Miocene Epoch - 23.5 to 5.3 million years ago.

Gomphotheres had highly specialized skull anatomy related to their feeding. Notably, they had four tusks, with two on their lower jaw that formed a shovel-like mechanism used to scoop aquatic vegetation. Likewise, their teeth were highly specialized, with complex cusps, as is apparent on this upper molar specimen.

The preservation of this large tooth is absolutely wonderful - its cusps are in excellent shape and the enamel is intact.

This exceptional fossil is all-natural with no restoration!

Measures 18.4 centimetres / 7.25 inches long, 9.5 cm / 3.7 inches wide, 7.5 cm / 2.9 high. Weighs 1650 grams / 3 lbs. 9 oz.