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Ancient Shark Fossils Reveal Australia's Paleontological Significance

12/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists in northern Australia have discovered fossils of a colossal lamniform shark dating to about 115 million years ago.
The fossils from the ancient Tethys Ocean include five vertebrae similar to modern great white sharks but substantially larger.
The Darwin specimen is about 15 million years older than known cardabiodontids, indicating these sharks were top predators.
The study, published in Communications Biology, underscores Australia’s role in paleontological research.

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Story summary

Scientists in northern Australia have discovered fossils of a colossal lamniform shark dating to about 115 million years ago.
The fossils from the ancient Tethys Ocean include five vertebrae similar to modern great white sharks but substantially larger.
The Darwin specimen is about 15 million years older than known cardabiodontids, indicating these sharks were top predators.
The study, published in Communications Biology, underscores Australia’s role in paleontological research.