Researchers have discovered ancient shark ruins deep in the world’s longest cave system.
The newly discovered shark, picked from the walls of a Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, lived around 340 million years ago and was equipped with curved rows of teeth used to crush prey.
According to a statement released by the National Park Service (NPS), Macadens Olsoni is a small shark less than a foot long (30 cm) and can feed mollusks and insects.
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“The discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of maintaining and studying our natural history,” Berkeley Trimble, director of Mammoth Caves National Park, said in a statement.
Related: The 340 million-year-old “nailtooth” shark is located deep in Kentucky’s mammoth cave.
The rocks in the Mammoth Cave were formed around 330-360 million years ago and were once located under a shallow saltwater ocean known as the Mississippi Sea. According to the NPS, the cave system itself was much younger, and formed about 10-15 million years ago when water from rivers and surface streams submerged into rocks and cut open the cave spots found today.
The exact length of the Mammoth Cave is unknown, but explorers have mapped over 426 miles (686 kilometers) and are still discovering new passages. A treasure trove of ancient fish fossils is hosted. So far, more than 70 different long-term species have been identified within the walls.
The most recent findings were extracted from STE. It dates back to the rock formations of Genevieve and the Carboniferous era (358.9 million to 298.9 million years ago). The genus’ name, “Macadden,” honors the Mammoth Cave, and the species name, “Olson,” honors Rickard Olson, a retired park scientist who played an important role in the record of these fossils, according to a statement.
M. olsoni’s discovery helps researchers to better understand the ancient ecosystems preserved in mammoth caves, which may have once resemble coral reefs.
“The discovery not only enhances knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems, but also highlights the important role of paleontological research in national parks,” Trimble said. “All discoveries connect the past with the present and provide invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public.”
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