Why are fossil shark teeth abundant while their skeletons remain a mystery?
In short: Join fossil fish curator Emma Bernard and host Conor to explore the ancient world of sharks. This episode investigates why shark teeth are common in the fossil record while bones are rarely found, and answers questions about extinct shark biology.
The Natural History Museum in London houses over 80 million specimens, ranging from meteorites to dinosaur remains. Among these treasures are the remnants of ancient sharks, which provide a unique window into prehistoric marine life.
The video examines the biological differences that lead to this preservation bias, specifically why shark teeth are frequently discovered while skeletons are absent. It also covers fascinating details about extinct species, including the function of dermal denticles and the reproductive habits of ancient sharks.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Mighty megalodon and the fascinating world of fossil sharks | Hidden Treasures | S2E4
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