Tag

Ancient Shark

All articles tagged with #ancient shark

paleontology1 year ago•3 min saved

Ancient Shark-Like Species Identified in 326-Million-Year-Old Fossil with Help from Cal Poly Humboldt Instructor

Researchers, including Cal Poly Humboldt Biology instructor Allison Bronson, have identified a new species of ancient shark, Cosmoselachus mehlingi, that lived 326 million years ago. The shark, named after Carl Mehling, features a mix of shark-like and ratfish characteristics, providing insight into the evolution of an enigmatic group of prehistoric fishes. The fossil specimen was collected in the 1970s and digitally reconstructed, shedding light on the morphological diversity of cartilaginous fishes following a major extinction event. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of early cartilaginous fish evolution and honors Mehling's contributions to paleontology.

via Lost Coast Outpost|

#ancient-shark #cal-poly-humboldt #evolution

paleontology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Megalodon: The Warm-Blooded Giant Shark That Met Its Demise"

Analysis of the mineral makeup of megalodon's teeth confirms that the ancient shark was warm-blooded, a trait that likely contributed to its success and eventual extinction. Researchers estimate that megalodon had an average body temperature of about 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), allowing it to be a dynamic predator and tolerate colder waters. While warm-bloodedness may have provided advantages, such as a broader range and efficient digestion, it also required a high food intake to sustain metabolism. The decline in ocean temperatures and sea levels, potentially leading to scarcity of its prey, may have contributed to megalodon's extinction. The study provides the first empirical evidence of megalodon's warm-bloodedness, shedding light on the enigmatic species that is primarily known through its teeth and a few vertebral specimens in the fossil record.

via Reuters.com|

#ancient-shark #extinction #megalodon