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Nine sawfish teeth discovered in the Dammam Formation
© National Museum of Qatar
Arabia Separates from Africa (Eocene)
Object Name: Sawfish Teeth
Period: Arabia Separates from Africa (Eocene)
Date: 55–30 Million Years Ago
Provenance: Gift from Taylor Norman, 24/4/13
Dimensions: 54 mm (H) x 12 mm (W)
Medium: fossil
Registration Number: QNM.2013.88.184
Place Of Discovery/Findspot:  Dammam Formation
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This is a collection of nine fossilized teeth that belonged to sawfish. Among the collection, only one sample has a saw-like structure with serrated edges on both sides. Sawfish use their rostral teeth for defense and to kill prey. The modern-day sawfish inhabit shallow coastal waters.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT QATAR
During this era, The Arabian Plate began to separate from the African Plate and moved gradually towards the Eurasian Plate.
The Arabian Gulf and the Zagros Mountains formed as a result of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates colliding. Qatar was home to a range of marine species. Fossils of ancient plants and animals from this time have been discovered, including sea urchins, sharks, sawfish and dugongs.
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Dammam Formation
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Gallery 1