Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is a treasure trove of ancient shark fossils, offering a unique glimpse into the past. The ongoing Paleontological Resources Inventory (PRI) has led to the discovery of multiple new species of fossil sharks, providing significant insights into the evolution and diversity of these ancient predators.
New Species of Ancient Sharks
The PRI has uncovered several new species of ancient sharks found within the Mammoth Cave system:
| Species Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Troglocladodus trimblei | A newly discovered genus and species of shark, estimated to have reached 10-12 feet in length, similar to a modern oceanic whitetip shark. |
| Glikmanius careforum | A new species of Glikmanius that pushes the origins of this ctenacanth back over 50 million years earlier than expected. It was identified primarily from teeth and a partial set of jaws and gills. |
| Strigilodus tollesonae | A petalodont (“petal-toothed”) shark discovered in the Ste. Genevieve Formation rock layer at Mammoth Cave, more closely related to modern ratfish than to other modern sharks and rays. |
Paleontological Resources Inventory (PRI)
The Paleontological Resources Inventory (PRI) is a collaborative effort between Mammoth Cave National Park, the National Park Service Paleontology Program, and the University of Alabama Geological Sciences Department. The program aims to identify and document the many types of fossils associated with the rock layers exposed within the caves. At least 70 species of ancient fish have been identified at Mammoth Cave from over 25 caves and cave passages surveyed.
Mammoth Cave and Its Fossil History
Mammoth Cave is the longest-known cave system in the world, formed over 325 million years ago during the Mississippian Period. The area was once an ancient seaway that connected what is now eastern North America, Europe, and northern Africa. The cave system was formed when acidic rainwater began dissolving the limestone-rich ground, creating passageways that eventually became the Mammoth Cave network.
Visiting Mammoth Cave
Visitors can explore Mammoth Cave through guided tours, which are necessary to access the caves. There is no entrance fee to enter the national park, but tour prices vary. Most guests aged 13 and up pay $8 to participate in a tour, with prices set to increase at the beginning of March. Tours often sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.
Additional Resources
For more information on Mammoth Cave Shark Fossils and the ongoing research, check out the following resources:
- Mammoth Cave National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
- National Park Service Paleontology Program: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/index.htm
- Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/
Key Facts and Figures
- Cost: $8 (ages 13 and up) for guided tours, with prices set to increase at the beginning of March.
- Timings: Tours are available, but booking in advance is recommended due to high demand.
- Directory: Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky.
- Hours: Vary depending on the tour and season.
- Rates: $8 (ages 13 and up) for guided tours, with prices set to increase at the beginning of March.
- Value: The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the world’s longest cave system and learn about ancient shark fossils.
References
- USA Today. (2024). Mammoth Cave delivers two new species of ancient sharks in fossil discovery. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/02/08/sharks-in-mammoth-cave/72520627007/
- National Park Service. (2023). New Species of Ancient Shark Identified Through Fossil Research at Mammoth Cave National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/maca/learn/news/new-species-of-ancient-shark-identified-through-fossil-research-at-mammoth-cave-national-park.htm
- National Park Service. (2024). Two new species of ancient sharks identified through research at Mammoth Cave National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/maca/learn/news/two-new-species-of-ancient-sharks-identified-through-research-at-mammoth-cave-national-park.htm
- National Park Service. (2023). Sharks, Fossils, and Caves: Secrets Revealed at Mammoth Cave. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/paleontological-discoveries-at-mammoth-cave.htm
- Smithsonian Magazine. (2024). Paleontologists Discover Two New Shark Species From Fossils in Mammoth Cave National Park. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/paleontologists-discover-two-new-shark-species-from-fossils-in-mammoth-cave-national-park-180983769/