In Mexico, researchers have discovered well-preserved fossils of an ancient relative of the great white shark that coexisted with dinosaurs.
A recent discovery in a limestone quarry in Nuevo León, northeastern Mexico, has been detailed in a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
The well-preserved fossilized remains of this creature date back to the Cretaceous period. It belongs to the genus Psychoses, a now-extinct group of sharks known for their robust, toothy structures designed for crushing prey.
Paleontologists estimate that this ancient shark could have grown up to 30 feet in length. Consequently, it significantly surpasses the size of today’s great white sharks.
According to Romain Volo, the lead researcher from Geosciences Rennes, ‘Uncovering fully intact Psychoses specimens is incredibly thrilling, as it resolves one of the most captivating mysteries in vertebrate paleontology.’
The Psychoses sharks, a genus identified in the 18th century, are renowned for their impressive teeth. Researchers found these teeth, which measure up to 22 inches long and 18 inches wide, in marine sediment layers. Psychoses specialized in crushing shells with their teeth, unlike predators, who used their teeth to slice flesh.
Experts debated Psychoses’ body shape, relying solely on its teeth, which led to differing opinions on its appearance.
Recent discoveries of ancient shark fossils have given researchers valuable insights into the shark’s physical structure. These findings suggest that the shark evolved to hunt sea turtles, which might explain its extinction 76 million years ago.
“Psychoses played a unique role in the Late Cretaceous marine ecosystem,” explained Volo. “As the Cretaceous period ended, these sizable sharks likely faced competition from marine reptiles. Mosasaurs, in particular, competed with them for similar prey sources.”
Scientists discovered the fossils in a serene location free from scavengers. After the sharks died, swift burial in soft sediment played a crucial role in their exceptional preservation.
Examination of the bones determined that the predator was part of the Lamniform group, commonly known as the mackerel shark family.
Previously, people believed that Psychoses primarily consumed invertebrates, the ancient ancestors of clams and mussels.
Recent fossil discoveries challenge previous assumptions by revealing that the shark had a sleek, streamlined form. This suggests it was capable of remarkable speed in the water.
Recent studies suggest that it primarily hunted sea turtles and large ammonites, which have hard shells.
Much remains to be discover about this species. Future studies of Cretaceous-period shark specimens could provide researchers with valuable insights. These findings could enhance our understanding of this ancient relative of the great white shark.
