Bite marks
The block containing the anterior portion of the vertebral column of the
mosasaur is rapidly being prepared into shape. It appears to preserve
at least twelve dorsal vertebrae, as well as a substantial number of associated
ribs. On a few of the ribs we have now demonstrated shark bite marks that
we expected to show up, yet another piece of evidence confirming our view
that the mosasaur carcass was 'ripped to shreds' by sharks. The fact that
two isolated caudal (tail) vertebrae are found next to the anterior portion
of the backbone also demonstrates that the carcass lying on the seafloor
was displaced to a considerable extent.
The first two dorsal vertebrae and a few isolated ribs have now been prepared free from the matrix. Between the vertebrae, a few fish teeth were found. The five isolated mosasaur teeth have been freed from matrix and restored during the past two weeks. The blackboard illustrating the progress of our preparation work is rapidly becoming filled in.
The museum court is now ready to 'receive' the mosasaur skull. During the past few weeks a hole has been dug, a concrete plate foundation laid, and preparations made for the foundation of the new museum hall which will be built over the skull. In Mosalab2000 itself, an industrial exhaust will be installed, allowing the larger-sized, most spectacular pieces to be prepared and impregnated without the nuisance of dust and solvent fumes, in the hall open to the public.