New Delhi: The discovery from Mammoth Cave, the largest cave of the earth, has stunned scientists. Fossils of two ancient shark species have been found within this cave of Kentaki (America). Their names are Troglocladodus Trimblei and Glikmanius Careforum. Both these sharks were considered to be the most dangerous hunters of the sea in the carboniferus period. Protected bones in their excellent condition not only gives an opportunity to understand the early development of sharks, but also shows what the rich sea world was on earth long before the birth of a dinosaurs.
Triglocladodus Trimblei was named after the Park Superintendent Barkle Timbal, who discovered its first relic in 2019. This shark was about 3.5 meters long. Its teeth were like a fork, which seems that it used to hunting with soft -body creatures and was adept at suddenly attacking.
The second species was Glikmanius Careforum, which was also about 3 to 3.5 meters in length. But it was a more aggressive hunter. Its strong jaws could break even bones and stiff shells.
Mammath Cave: 676 km long natural time capsules
Today’s North America was under a huge tropical sea during the carboniferus period. This sea was connected to Europe and North Africa. When the tectonic plates slipped to Panzia, these sea houses were over and imprisoned in fossil rocks.
Today the Mammath Cave is the longest known cave system in the world, which is more than 676 kilometers in length. The low-oxygen and stable atmosphere here keeps the fossils in the best position. This place is truly a natural time capsule.
More than 70 ancient marine species found
So far more than 70 prehistoric marine species have been identified from the Mammath cave. The discovery of Troglocladodus and Glikmanius further enriches this list. It suggests how diverse and complicated the sea world of North America 300 million years ago.
Senior Palientologist Dr. Vincent Santuchi says, ‘These fossils are not only in a great condition, but challenged our old understanding. These early sharks throw new lights on development, variety of species and the functioning of marine ecosystem.