PALEONTOLOGY RED IN TOOTH AND CLAW: THE INFLUENCE OF FOSSIL COLLECTORS IN THE OVERREPRESENTATION OF PREDATORY THEROPODS IN THE CRETACEOUS KEM KEM BEDS OF MOROCCO

PALOMBI, DAMIANO; CANALE JUAN IGNACIO

La Rioja

Jornada; 36 Jornadas Argentinas de Paleontología de Vertebrados; 2023

The Cenomanian Kem Kem Group of Morocco is renowned for its rich and diverse fossil record. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that there is a preponderance of carnivorous dinosaurs in this region, which is not reflected in other ecosystems. In Patagonia, fossil-rich formations of the same age, such as the Candeleros and Huincul Formations, show a greater representation of herbivores and non-dinosaur faunas. This overestimation towards theropods in North Africa may not be due to their ecological dominance, but rather their commercial value, as theropod fossils are easier to trade and have higher demand as “trophy specimens”. One clear example of this bias is the disproportionate abundance of cranial and dental remains of Spinosaurus and Carcharodontosaurus, likely due to the predatory appeal of this fossils to collectors. However, this bias is not limited to the collectors' market alone. By examining the proportion of these fossils in museums acquisitions, we can see that cranial remains outnumber those of other anatomical sectors by a significant margin. Furthermore, the commercialization of theropod fossils can lead to widespread manipulation and alteration of specimens. A case study of a fossil artifact from Kem Kem, labeled as OPH2138, reveals the potential for human influence to impact our understanding of ancient ecosystems. This fossil was originally a chimera with seven teeth of uncertain origin, which had been artificially altered to resemble a spinosaurid dentary, with over 50% of the surface covered in glue mixed with sediment. The alveoli were roughly excavated on the surface of the original bone, and careful analysis reveals that they were clearly made during a phase of fossil preparation. The practice of falsifying or manipulating fossils for commercial purposes demonstrates how sellers can impact our interpretation of the fossil record and highlights the need for careful examination and scrutiny of specimens and their provenance. Stricter regulations and standards by academic and museum institutions are needed to address this known situation that can produce a distorted representation of ecosystems, driven by commercial rather than scientific priorities. By acknowledging and addressing the biases introduced by commercial fossil collectors in the Kem Kem Group, we can aim for a more accurate and comprehensive interpretation of the ancient biotas and the diversity of life during the Cenomanian.