Shark teeth help scientists uncover predator’s history

Row after row of razor-sharp teeth: They are the lasting terror of shark-filled nightmares, but these bony record books are a dream come true for shark researchers according to Science daily.

Right now, a team of researchers is studying living great whites and other sharks — as well as fossilized shark teeth — to gain insight into everything from shark behavior to their ancient ancestors. They are are using the latest in computed tomography scans to create detailed, high-resolution, three-dimensional models to better analyze shark tooth anatomy, development and evolution.

This latest technology allows the team — Willy Bemis, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, Cornell graduate student Josh Moyer and Micro CT facilities director Mark Riccio — to examine patterns of tissues and vasculature; they can see the channels left behind by blood vessels and capture images of the developing teeth as they begin to mineralize.

 

Bemis has amassed hundreds of shark jaws and thousands of teeth, some borrowed from collections around the world, and the team is examining the internal structure of these teeth to see if they offer any clues into fossil teeth. Bemis — who teaches shark biology.

“Sharks are an extremely successful group with a long history of dramatic evolutionary change, not some ancient relic, and they are highly specialized for specific ways of life,” Bemis said. Understanding why they have been so successful throughout their history and evolution could shed light on the evolution of other species as well, he said.

Sharks have been around for about 350 million to 400 million years, and there are currently more than 1,100 living species of chondrichthyes, which also include rays, skates and ratfish.

N.H.Kh

You might also like
Latest news
A popular demonstration held in Damascus in support of Gaza Egyptian President stresses the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integri... The US calls for facilitating the work of the (OPCW) in Syria UNHCR: 52,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since the fall of the former regime UNHCR: 52,000 refugees have returned from Jordan to Syria Anniversary of the chemical attack on the city of Douma A handover meeting took place at the Ministry of Information between the former minister, Mr. Mohame... Amman Chamber of Commerce: Syria tops the list of countries importing Jordanian products with 1,665 ... WHO Supports the Nawa National Hospital in Daraa province 290,000 Syrians Return through Land Crossings After the Fall of the Regime Malaysian Prime Minister Congratulates President al-Sharaa on Forming the new Syrian Government  Ministry of Health in Gaza: Health situation has reached dangerous catastrophic levels A volunteer of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent wins third place in the Best Humanitarian Action Photo C... Syrian community in Netherlands organizes a demonstration to lift sanctions on Syria Governor of Sweidah visits the Diocese of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal Al-Arab for the Greek Orthodox Ch... The Syrian community in Germany organizes a demonstration in front of the US embassy in Berlin to de... The Fact-Finding Committee Arrives in Tartous and Hears Testimonies from the Governor and Interior a... Reality of wheat and barley crops in Daraa province (OPCW) Warns of the difficulty of locating chemical weapons sites in Syria Wall Street Journal: Israel has established buffer zone in Al Hamidiyah village