Proposed reconstruction of the new to science species Macadens olsoni, discovered through fossil research at Mammoth Cave National Park.
PRESS RELEASE
Glasgow News 1
A new species of ancient shark has been discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park.
“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 park Superintendent Barclay Trimble.
The new shark, named 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.
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 said. “Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public.”
This find adds to the collection of new sharks discovered at the national park. Over the past two years, four new shark fossils have been found at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Other discoveries:
Paleontologists discover new species of shark at Mammoth Cave
Two new shark species discovered in Mammoth Cave
New shark discovered at Mammoth Cave park
Glasgow News 1 Journalist Michael Crimmins contributed to this report.
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