Ancient shark species — with teeth made for ‘crushing' — found in Kentucky cave
Now long gone, a team of scientists have stumbled upon its fossils in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, a July 24 news release from the National Park Service said. The new species of ancient shark was named Macadens olsoni, which means 'Olson's Mammoth Cave Tooth,' and it has a very distinct feature.
'Macadens olsoni is notable for its unique tooth whorl, a curved row of teeth designed for crushing small sea creatures. This ancient shark likely grew to less than a foot in length and probably feasted on mollusks and worms,' rangers said in the release.
The name was chosen to honor the fossil's resting place and Rickard Olson, the scientist whose work was essential to Mammoth Cave.
'This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history,' Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Barclay Trimble said in the release.
According to the National Park Service, more than 40 different species of ancient sharks have been discovered in the past 10 months in Mammoth Cave.
'Most of the shark fossils have been discovered in areas inaccessible to visitors on cave tours, but photographs, artists' renditions, and three-dimensional models are being prepared for the visitors to view and explore in park exhibits and websites,' NPS said.
Other major finds in the cave include the Tolleson's Scraper Tooth (Strigilodus tollesonae,) an ancient shark with 'spoon-like teeth' and the Chipmunk Shark (Clavusodens mcginnisi).
'This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks,' Trimble said of the newest find . 'Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public.'
Mammoth Cave is about a 95-mile drive south from Louisville.
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Ancient new shark species — dating back 340 million years — unearthed in world's largest cave system
A rare bite into the past. The fossilized tooth of a newly discovered ancient shark species – dating back about 340 million years – has been unearthed in the world's largest cave system, officials said. The roughly half-inch tooth from the uncovered species, named the Macadens olsoni, was found in the depths of Ste. Genevieve Formation at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, the National Park Service announced Thursday, just four days after 'Shark Week' officially kicked off. Advertisement The Ste. Genevieve Formation is estimated to be about 335 to 340 million years old. Illustration of the Macadens olsoni a newly discovered ancient shark species. Art by Benji Paysnoe 'This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history,' Superintendent Barclay Trimble said. Advertisement 'This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks.' Paleontology researchers, who discovered the marine fossil, said the ancient predator is notable for its distinctive tooth whorl — a curved row of teeth that crushed small sea creatures. The shark likely measured just under a foot long and preyed on mollusks and worms when Mammoth Cave was a shallow sea rich with crinoids, corals and more, officials said. Advertisement Waterfall cascading from a sandstone overhang in Mammoth Cave National Park. jctabb – 'Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public,' Trimble added. Researchers named the species after Mammoth Cave and Rickard Olson, a retired park scientist. The latest discovery marks the fifth 'new to science' shark species identified in the cave system.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
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Ancient shark species — with teeth made for ‘crushing' — found in Kentucky cave
About 340 million years ago, a tiny shark swam in the waters of the world's longest cave system in Kentucky, its unusual mouth curved in a way that will ultimately end up defining its future legacy. Now long gone, a team of scientists have stumbled upon its fossils in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, a July 24 news release from the National Park Service said. The new species of ancient shark was named Macadens olsoni, which means 'Olson's Mammoth Cave Tooth,' and it has a very distinct feature. 'Macadens olsoni is notable for its unique tooth whorl, a curved row of teeth designed for crushing small sea creatures. This ancient shark likely grew to less than a foot in length and probably feasted on mollusks and worms,' rangers said in the release. The name was chosen to honor the fossil's resting place and Rickard Olson, the scientist whose work was essential to Mammoth Cave. 'This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history,' Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Barclay Trimble said in the release. According to the National Park Service, more than 40 different species of ancient sharks have been discovered in the past 10 months in Mammoth Cave. 'Most of the shark fossils have been discovered in areas inaccessible to visitors on cave tours, but photographs, artists' renditions, and three-dimensional models are being prepared for the visitors to view and explore in park exhibits and websites,' NPS said. Other major finds in the cave include the Tolleson's Scraper Tooth (Strigilodus tollesonae,) an ancient shark with 'spoon-like teeth' and the Chipmunk Shark (Clavusodens mcginnisi). 'This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks,' Trimble said of the newest find . 'Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public.' Mammoth Cave is about a 95-mile drive south from Louisville.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
New species of ancient shark discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park
A new species of ancient shark has been discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, officials said. Named Macadens olsoni, the fossils were found in the Ste. Genevieve Formation, dating back approximately 340 to 335 million years to when Mammoth Cave was submerged in a warm, shallow sea teeming with life including crinoids and corals, according to the National Park Service. MORE: Black bear killed in Yellowstone after learning how to obtain human food 'This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history,' said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. Growing to less than a foot in length and most likely feasting on mollusks and worms, the new shark species is notable for its unique curved row of teeth designed for crushing small sea creatures. MORE: New York shuts down hiking trail in Adirondack Mountains due to moose engaging in 'unusual behaviors' MORE: Man captured on surveillance camera allegedly attempting to enter Wisconsin lawmaker's home 'The name Macadens olsoni pays tribute to both Mammoth Cave and Rickard Olson, a retired park scientist who played a crucial role in documenting shark fossils in the park as part of a recent Paleontological Resource Inventory (PRI),' officials said. 'The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the National Park Service Paleontology Program, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the Smithsonian Paleobiology Department. In addition to Macadens olsoni, researchers studied another ancient shark, Helodus coxanus, now renamed Rotuladens, meaning "Wheel Tooth." This species shares similarities with Macadens olsoni and highlights the diversity of ancient marine life.' More than 40 different species of fossil sharks and relatives have been identified from Mammoth Cave specimens in the past 10 months, officials said. MORE: Man arrested for murder in Michigan after hang-up 911 call, police say 'This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks,' Trimble added. 'Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public.' Solve the daily Crossword
