Classic Albertosaurus tooth
Since Steve & Sharon Wolchina retired from gathering Canadian material, higher quality specimens from Canada's Alberta province has become difficult to obtain. So, we were lucky & excited to able to repurchase some very fine material included in a former client's collection from decades ago.
This Albertosaurus tyrannosauride tooth has the classic coloration one would expect to find. The anterior serrations are virtually flawless, with the posterior showing minimal blemishes. The tip is natural and also looks perfect. We're unsure if close by the tip there is a unusual wear facet or naturally smoothed flake. The milk chocolate enamel is shinny with minimal hydration lines. And the root cavity is distinct and clean.
Not unlike other countries, Canada has exceptionally strict laws governing fossils discovered in their provinces. Only a few individuals have been given permission to legally remove then sell this type of material, outside of their country. Sharon & Steve Wolchina of Mid-land scientific are two of those given this permission. The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada which is run by the Canadian government has verified the above information. As this fossil was indeed discovered by the Wolchina's, there is a disposition lot number included, making the specimen perfectly legal.
Measurements: ~ 1-7/8" L x 5/8" W" x 3/8" D
Location: Judith River formation, Alberta, Canada
Time period: Cretaceous / ~ 65 - 135 myo
Albertosaurus (meaning "lizard from Alberta") was a genus of Tyranosaurid dinosaur that lived in the Western part of North America, during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It is believed that Albertosaurus which lived a few million years earlier and was also a carnivore, may have been an early ancestor of Tyrannosaurus.
Although it was smaller than Tyrannosaurus, Albertosaurus was equally terrifying to its prey, as it was a large Theropod (carnivore), with long, serrated teeth in its massive head. This dinosaur measured nearly 30 feet tall and about 11 feet at its widest point.
Albertosaurus walked on two legs which had three toes on each foot. It had short, relatively useless arms with two fingers on each one. It also had a long tail that provided its balance and also helped the dinosaur while turning. Albertosaurus had thick, muscular legs which enabled it to run extremely fast, similarly to that of a T-rex. However, whereas T-rex's heavier body mass made it more susceptible to serious injury or fatality if it were to fall in full stride, Albertosaurus had a higher chance to recover if it were to fall.