gavial-type crocodile jaw with teeth

from news of fossil trips in aurora, no. carolina phosphate mine:
"Nov 5, 2004
Correction

In the October, 31 'News', we reported that Rita McDaniel had found a Squalodon jaw fragment. That evening, several DVPS members and Rita had the chance to more closely examine the then cleaned specimen.

John Keklak presented the evidence for the specimen actually representing a gavial-type crocodile jaw.

"This was based on the following anatomical features: 1) the arterial scarring on the external bone surface is typical of crocodilian jaws, 2) the cross-sectional anatomy of the jawbone is more reptilian than mammalian in structure, 3) the bone is very dense (again more reptilian), and 4) the tooth does not project vertically from the jaw but at about 35 degrees from the vertical to the outside of the mouth. Furthermore, on this later point, the jaw section contains an adjoining socket for a second tooth. This socket indicates that the tooth projected at about 35 degrees in the opposite direction (i.e., toward the inside of the mouth). There is also a gap between the teeth to allow the teeth from the other jaw to mesh with them. This arrangement is consistent with what you have with the fish-eating crocs like Gavialosuchus. When their jaws are closed, the teeth are visible on the outside of the jaw, and alternating, corresponding teeth similarly project inside the mouth. The teeth also have a very pronounced curve toward the rear, again consistent with fish-eating crocs.""

Go to the site to see the photograph for yourself! Wow.