Mesosaurus brasiliensis Aquatic Reptile Fossil

The aquatic reptile fossil pictured is a Mesosaurus brasiliensis  found in the Irati Formation of Brazil. It dates back 280 million years ago (Lower Permian Period). The museum display lists this fossil as one that shows the transition of reptiles to a freshwater environment. It also shows that the continents Africa and South America were connected since this creature's fossils are only found in those two places.

The reptile was thought to its narrow teeth rowed mouth was used to catch fish and other small aquatic creatures. It swam though the water using is long tail and paddle shaped limbs.

The fossil was loaned by Robert H. Osher family to the museum for exhibit.

Fossil on display at Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science as of August 2013.

Iansan beurleni Ray or Guitarfish-like Fossil

The sea ray or guitarfish-like fossil pictured is an Iansan beurleni found in the Santana Formation of Brazil. It dates back 100 million years ago (Lower Cretaceous Period). This fossil might also be known by the name Rhinobatos beurleni (1968) as seen on the Henskens Fossils web site. Refer to 1996 paper on subject The new genus Iansan (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatoidea) from the Early Cretaceous of Brazil and its phylogenetic relationships by Paulo M. Brito and Bernard Seret.

The fossil is part of the Cincinnati Museum Center collection (accession number VP7189). It was gift to the museum from Charles Fleischmann.

Fossil on display at Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science as of August 2013.

Toxochelys latiremis Sea Turtle Fossil

The sea turtle fossil pictured is a Toxochelys latiremis found in the Pierre Shale Formation of Kansas, USA.  This area was part of the Western Interior Seaway that divided what is today North America into two land masses. It dates back 75 million years ago (Upper Cretaceous Period).

The fossil is part of the Cincinnati Museum Center collection (accession number VP6947). It was gift to the museum from Jerome "Pete" Bussen.

Fossil on display at Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science as of August 2013.