A new-to-science ancient shark species was discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park through an ongoing Paleontological Resource Inventory. Researchers identified the new species of obruchevodid petalodont, called Clavusodens mcginnisi, through fossil teeth found in the Ste. Genevieve Formation rock layer in Mammoth Cave.
“The fossil discoveries in Mammoth Cave continue to reveal a wealth of new information about ancient shark species. Researchers and volunteers collected samples from the main Mammoth Cave system and from smaller isolated caves throughout the park that have provided new data on previously known ancient sharks and revealed several species that are brand new to science. These discoveries help scientists to better understand the relationship and evolution of modern shark species within this relatively small geographic region.” – Superintendent Barclay Trimble
The ancient species was given the name Clavusodens mcginnisi, or “McGinnis’ nail tooth” due to the shark’s back teeth which look like old iron nails because of their flat crowns and long tooth bases. Members of the Obruchevodidae were between 3-4 inches long, allowing them to avoid large predators while foraging on crustaceans, worms, and small brachiopods on the sea floor. “mcginnisi” honors National Park Service superintendent and naturalist David McGinnis, who started his 39-year career at Mammoth Cave National Park.
The Ste. Genevieve Formation dates back to approximately 340 million years ago, made up of limestones and shales which formed on the bottom of a warm ocean reef. Up until the discoveries at Mammoth Cave throughout the past several years, no shark fossils had been found from the Ste. Genevieve Formation. 70 sharks and other fish have now been identified from this geologic layer, including four entirely new-to-science species.
