Latest news with #RickardOlson
BBC News
14 hours ago
- Science
- BBC News
New species of ancient shark discovered in cave, say researchers
A new species of ancient shark has been discovered in Kentucky in the United States, according to species was identified from a fossil at Mammoth Cave National Park, which is home to other re-SHARK-able been named Macadens olsoni, with a spokesperson for the park saying it is "notable for its unique tooth whorl"."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. This shark was no giant of the say it would have grown to less than a foot long, about the length of the 30cm ruler you might use at it would have survived on a diet of worms and molluscs – yum!The shark was named after the park where its fossil was found – Macadens references the park's name, Mammoth also takes part of its name – Olsoni – from retired scientist Rickard Olson, who helped organise research and identify shark fossils at the park. What is Mammoth Cave National Park? Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kentucky, in the United means it's one of over 1,200 landmarks across the world that is considered by the United Nations to have "outstanding universal value".Mammoth Cave is the longest-known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of the cave explored to date, according to the US's National Parks of years ago, much of the cave was underwater and home to a variety of ancient Macadens olsoni is just one of the latest discoveries."This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks," said Superintendent Trimble."Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public."
NDTV
5 days ago
- 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."
Miami Herald
5 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
6 days ago
- 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
