description Otodus obliquus Overview
Otodus obliquus is an extinct species of large shark from the family Otodontidae that lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs. It is known primarily from fossil teeth, which are broad, triangular, and smooth-edged with small side cusps on the base. The species was a large pelagic predator and is considered an important member of the evolutionary lineage that includes the megalodon. Fossil teeth of Otodus obliquus are found in marine deposits worldwide, with particularly abundant specimens recovered from phosphate beds in Morocco.
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How big was Otodus obliquus compared to megalodon?
Otodus obliquus was significantly smaller than its famous descendant Otodus megalodon, with estimated body lengths of around 9 to 12 meters versus megalodon's potential 15-plus meters. However, O. obliquus is considered an important early member of the Otodus lineage that eventually produced megalodon.
When did Otodus obliquus live?
Otodus obliquus lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, roughly 60 to 45 million years ago. It is primarily known from fossilized triangular teeth found in deposits such as the Moroccan phosphate beds.
Where can I find Otodus obliquus teeth fossils?
O. obliquus teeth are commonly found in Paleogene marine deposits, with Morocco's phosphate mines near Khouribga being one of the most prolific sources. These teeth are frequently sold to collectors because of their distinctive shape, size, and small side cusps.
Is Otodus obliquus an ancestor of the great white shark?
Otodus obliquus is generally classified within the megatooth lineage (Otodus) that leads toward Otodus megalodon, not the lineage that produced the modern great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), which is more closely linked to mako sharks. The exact ancestry of great whites remains debated, but O. obliquus itself is not considered a direct ancestor.
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