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Study Reveals Dunkleosteus Skull's Surprising Cartilage Structure

11/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new study on Dunkleosteus terrelli, dating to 360 million years ago in present-day Cleveland, Ohio, finds that nearly half of its skull was cartilage.
Researchers note this cartilage-dominant skull is uncommon in armored fishes.
Its jaw anatomy includes sharpened bone blades instead of teeth, enabling it to hunt large prey.
The study challenges views of arthrodires as primitive and highlights their diversity.
It underscores reexamining fossil collections with modern techniques.

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Story summary

A new study on Dunkleosteus terrelli, dating to 360 million years ago in present-day Cleveland, Ohio, finds that nearly half of its skull was cartilage.
Researchers note this cartilage-dominant skull is uncommon in armored fishes.
Its jaw anatomy includes sharpened bone blades instead of teeth, enabling it to hunt large prey.
The study challenges views of arthrodires as primitive and highlights their diversity.
It underscores reexamining fossil collections with modern techniques.