J514 - Top Rare cf Archaeodontosaurus Primitive Prosauropod Dinosaur Tooth - Middle Jurassic

Archaeodontosaurus descouensi is a Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) sauropod from Madagascar, notable for having primitive, prosauropod-like teeth despite having a more derived, sauropod-like jaw structure.

The teeth are characterized by large serrations, a convex lingual side, and a specialized enamel wrinkling pattern, suggesting a diet focused on tougher vegetation. 

Key Features of Archaeodontosaurus descouensi Teeth:

Prosauropod-like Morphology: Unlike early sauropods that often had spoon-shaped teeth, Archaeodontosaurus retained teeth that resemble those of their prosauropod ancestors.

Serrations: The teeth feature large serrations.

Structure: They possess a convex lingual side (inner surface).

Enamel Wrinkling: The teeth exhibit coarse enamel wrinkles, which are believed to be associated with feeding on hard, tough materials.

Size: Known teeth, such as those found in the Isalo III, Sakahara Formation, are approximately 2-3cm long.

The discovery of this taxon highlights a mosaic evolution pattern in early sauropods, where dental evolution did not directly align with the changes in jaw structure. 

Link to: Very interesting paper about Madagascar middle Jurassic Sauropod teeth