C. hastalis Ancestral Great White in Vertebra Bakersfield CA

From an old collection, this tooth and vertebra were found together in the same clump of matrix.  Most of the matrix has been removed, but for the matrix that's under the tooth that is attaching it to the vertebra. 

The tooth measures 2.3" on a vertebra that measures 3.35"x 3"

Carcharodon hastalis, often referred to as the Broad-toothed Mako, was a large prehistoric shark that lived during the Miocene to Pliocene epochs, approximately 23 to 2.6 million years ago. Its fossils, especially its distinct broad, triangular teeth, are frequently discovered in Bakersfield CA. These teeth are characterized by their smooth edges and lack of serrations, differentiating them from other prehistoric sharks.

Carcharodon hastalis reached lengths of about 30 feet and was a dominant predator in its marine habitat. Its diet likely consisted of marine mammals and fish, which it captured using its specially adapted teeth designed for grasping and slicing. As a top predator, Carcharodon hastalis played a crucial role in its ecosystem. The species eventually became extinct, potentially due to changes in climate and prey availability. 

Carcharodon hastalis

Late Miocene

Bakersfield, CA

Temblor Formation -- Round Mountain Silt Member

2.3"