This is a mammoth atlas aka the first cervical vertebra aka C1. This mammoth is from Minnesota, USA.
This fossil is the size of a large cat and very heavy. It weighs more than my 25 pound cat even though it is similar in size. Dr. Hastings was holding the fossil for me while we photographed the specimen. He did get tired, and we had to stop–but he was able to hold it like a large cowbell weight for over 20 minutes. I was unable to lift and hold it with both hands. I could pick it up and carry it short distances, but holding it up in front of me (not unlike how Rafiki holds up baby Simba in the Lion King) to be photographed was beyond my capabilities. I guess, what I am saying is this: Dr. Alex Hastings is very strong. Don’t challenge him to an arm wrestling competition.
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