Scientists have discovered fossils of a gigantic shark on a coastline near Darwin in northern Australia. The find consists of five vertebrae dating back 115 million years. Experts estimate the ancient predator measured between six and eight metres in length.
Massive Predator Weighed Over Three Tonnes
The prehistoric shark weighed more than three tonnes during its lifetime. Researchers measured the vertebrae at up to 12.6 centimetres across. In comparison, adult great white sharks have vertebrae of roughly eight centimetres.
The fossils belonged to an extinct family of predatory sharks known as Cardabiodontidae. These giants dominated the world’s oceans approximately 100 million years ago. The Darwin specimen represents the oldest known mega-predator of its kind.
115-million-year-old vertebrae from the gigantic Darwin lamniform shark
Discovery Pushes Back Evolutionary Timeline
The discovery pushes the origin of mega-sharks back by roughly 15 million years. Scientists published their findings in the journal Communications Biology. The team included palaeontologists and specialists from the United States, Sweden, and Australia.
Ichthyologists from South Africa and the United States also contributed to the research. The fossils showed exceptional preservation for shark cartilage. The mineralisation allowed researchers to reveal internal structures of the vertebrae.
Ancient Ocean Floor Reveals Marine Life
The rocky shores near Darwin once formed part of the Tethys ocean floor. This vast body of water extended from Gondwana to the island chains of Laurasia. Mud covered the ocean floor where numerous marine creatures lived and died.
Researchers have uncovered remains of ancient marine life at this location for years. Previous finds include plesiosaurs, long-necked marine reptiles resembling popular images of the Loch Ness monster. Scientists also discovered ichthyosaurs, commonly called fish-lizards. Large bony fish remains complete the collection of prehistoric marine fauna.
Vertebrae Indicate Enormous Size
The huge vertebrae indicate the presence of a very large lamniform shark. Lamniform sharks include modern species such as great white and mako sharks. The Darwin specimen had already reached the extremely large size typical of its group.
This early size development marks a significant finding for researchers. The shark’s body length likely stretched six to eight metres. This measurement equals approximately the length of a city bus.
International Research Team Analyses Fossils
The research team conducted a detailed analysis to determine the shark’s body size. Specialists in tomography contributed their expertise to the project. The fossils retained distinctive features of cardabiodontids despite their age.
Each vertebral centrum displayed enormous proportions. The team analysed five vertebral centra from the Darwin Formation. The bones proved larger than those of modern great white sharks.
Fossils Available for Public Viewing
The Swedish Museum of Natural History displays fossils of ancient sharks from the Age of Dinosaurs. The public can view these specimens at the museum. The Darwin discovery adds to the collection of prehistoric shark evidence.
Museums Victoria previously worked on similar discoveries in other Australian locations. Senior curator Erich Fitzgerald has confirmed various shark fossil finds. The institution maintains vertebrate palaeontology collections for research and education.
Cardabiodontidae Family Dominated Ancient Seas
The Cardabiodontidae family represents an extinct lineage of large lamniform sharks. These predators ruled marine environments during the Cretaceous period. The Darwin fossils provide the earliest evidence of this family reaching mega-predator status.
Scientists believe these sharks hunted large marine prey in ancient oceans. The size and structure of their vertebrae indicate powerful swimming capabilities. Their evolution preceded other known cardabiodontids by millions of years.
Modern Sharks Pale in Comparison
Great white sharks today reach maximum lengths of approximately six metres. The Darwin mega-shark matched or exceeded this size 115 million years ago. Modern great whites weigh between 680 and 1,900 kilograms depending on sex.
The ancient predator’s weight of over three tonnes surpassed modern specimens significantly. This size difference demonstrates the remarkable scale of prehistoric marine predators. The Darwin shark lived during an era when marine reptiles also reached enormous proportions.
Lamniform Sharks Have Long Evolutionary History
Lamniform sharks have an evolutionary history spanning approximately 135 million years. This order includes some of the largest-bodied extant fishes. The Darwin discovery provides crucial evidence of early gigantism in this lineage.
The fossils reveal that mega-body size evolved earlier than previously understood. This reshapes scientific understanding of marine predator history. Researchers continue to study the evolutionary pathways that led to such enormous sizes.
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Australian Coastline Yields Prehistoric Treasures
Northern Australia’s coastline continues to provide valuable palaeontological discoveries. The Darwin region offers unique geological conditions for fossil preservation. Scientists expect further discoveries as research continues in this area.
Other Australian beaches have yielded prehistoric shark remains in past years. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria produced teeth from ancient mega-sharks. These finds contribute to understanding Australia’s prehistoric marine ecosystems.
Significance for Marine Science
The Darwin mega-shark represents a milestone in understanding prehistoric ocean predators. The discovery provides physical evidence of early gigantism in modern shark lineages. Scientists can now trace the evolution of mega-predators back further than before.
The well-preserved fossils offer opportunities for continued research. Advanced imaging techniques reveal internal structures previously hidden. This information helps researchers understand the biology and ecology of ancient sharks.
The findings appear in Communications Biology, a journal in the Nature portfolio. The research team’s collaborative approach combined multiple scientific disciplines. This methodology ensures comprehensive analysis of the prehistoric remains.
