Latest news with #NationalParkServicePaleontologyProgram
NDTV
26-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
340-Million-Year-Old Shark Tooth Found In World's Largest Cave
A fossilised tooth from a previously unknown ancient shark species, estimated to be around 340 million years old, has been discovered in Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's largest cave system. The species, now named Macadens olsoni, was found in the Ste. Genevieve Formation, which dates back to the late Mississippian period. The tooth, about half an inch long, offers valuable insights into prehistoric marine life. The National Park Service announced the discovery shortly after the start of 'Shark Week,' adding to public interest in ancient sharks. "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 in a news release. 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. The fossils of Macadens olsoni were found in the Ste. Genevieve Formation, which dates back approximately 340 to 335 million years. During that time, Mammoth Cave was submerged in a warm, shallow sea teeming with life including crinoids and corals. 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). 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. "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."
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Science
- 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
