Latest news with #ChipmunkShark
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
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
12-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fossilized ‘Chipmunk Shark' teeth discovered in Mammoth Cave rock layer
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. (FOX 56) — A new species of ancient shark was recently discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Fossilized teeth of the 'McGinnis Nail Tooth,' nicknamed the 'Chipmunk Shark' due to its small, chisel-like front teeth, was found inside of a rock layer inside the Kentucky cave system, per the National Park Service. Two new species of shark discovered in Mammoth Cave National Park 'The fossil discoveries in Mammoth Cave continue to reveal a wealth of new information about ancient shark species,' said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. 'Researchers and volunteers collected samples from the main Mammoth Cave system and from smaller isolated caves throughout the park that have provided new data on previously known ancient sharks and revealed several species that are brand new to science. These discoveries help scientists to better understand the relationship and evolution of modern shark species within this relatively small geographic region.' According to a news release, NPS officials believe the Chipmunk Shark foraged on crustaceans, worms, and other small animals along the ocean floor. The Ste. Genevieve Formation at Mammoth Cave, where the fossilized teeth were found, is a roughly 340-million-year-old layer of rocks, NPS announced. Over the last several years, more than 70 species of sharks and other fish have been identified in the rock layer, including four new species. NPS officials said that before these discoveries, there were no known shark fossils in the rock layer. Former UK student convicted of racist rant, attack to serve full sentence Kentucky man charged with murder after deadly shooting at Ashland motel Junior Bridgeman, businessman and basketball standout for Louisville and Milwaukee Bucks, dies at 71 The Chipmunk Shark was believed to have swam along the ocean floor that is said to have covered much of central Kentucky during the Middle Mississippian period, officials claim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
