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Ghost Sharks' Unique Teeth Reveal Secrets of Evolution

9/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Male ghost sharks, or chimaeras, use unique forehead teeth, called tenaculum, in mating rituals.
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms these are true teeth, not growths.
Sharks have evolved various body shapes over 400 million years, with ancient species likely being bottom-dwellers.
Modern pelagic sharks emerged in the Jurassic period, shaped by climate changes.
Studying ancient sharks helps predict their responses to current climate change.

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Story summary

Male ghost sharks, or chimaeras, use unique forehead teeth, called tenaculum, in mating rituals.
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms these are true teeth, not growths.
Sharks have evolved various body shapes over 400 million years, with ancient species likely being bottom-dwellers.
Modern pelagic sharks emerged in the Jurassic period, shaped by climate changes.
Studying ancient sharks helps predict their responses to current climate change.