New Shark.....Fossil?

Evolution is a fascinating thing, especially since both small- and large-scale evolution are happening around us all the time. From small scale evolution of the stickleback fish developing larger spines over time due to excessive predation to larger scale evolution where a new species of something emerges, nature is truly amazing. Something that scientists often realize is that the more we know, the more we don't know, so it is particularly interesting when a new animal is found, whether dead or alive.

Living creatures, corpses/mummies, and fossils all give us valuable information about what was/can happen again and how current ecosystems function. In this particular case, a new species of shark was discovered in a national park in Kentucky of all places. Roughly two weeks ago, a team of geologists, paleontologist, park staff, and volunteers were hard at work within the Mammoth Cave identifying and collecting fossils and that's where this new shark has been discovered. No, it wasn't a live shark, but still fascinating nonetheless. The shark is extinct, as far as we know, and appears to be closely related to the ratfish which is mostly found in deep ocean but able to survive in an aquarium setting. It is suspected that the newly discovered shark likely ate snails, bivalves, soft bodied worms, and smaller fish based on the shape and size of its teeth.

There have been at least 70 species of ancient fish identified at Mammoth Cave so far, so it will be interesting to see what else is discovered. Studying ancient species can give us a better understanding of some of the current species that resemble them- in other words, it is important to understand the past in order to fully grasp the present. It will be interesting to see what else scientists are able to gather from this fossil and others found within Mammoth Cave.

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