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New Data on the Late Cretaceous Cardabiodontid Lamniform Shark Based on an Associated Specimen from Kansas

2013; Kansas Academy of Science; Volume: 115; Issue: 3 & 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1660/062.115.0305

1938-5420

Ashley A. Dickerson, Kenshu Shimada, Brian K. Reilly, Cynthia K. Rigsby,

Fish biology, ecology, and behavior

We describe a specimen of an Upper Cretaceous shark, Cardabiodon sp. (Lamniformes: Cardabiodontidae), from Kansas. This specimen, that consists of a set of teeth, pieces of calcified cartilage, and placoid scales, represents the first associated cardabiodontid material from North America. The combination of direct observation and radiographic examination reveals that the specimen contains at least 78 teeth, including presumed functional and replacement teeth. The teeth vary in size and morphology, suggesting that the dentition of the shark showed heterodonty. The tooth set includes teeth referable to ‘upper intermediate teeth’ in which their presence is characteristic of the order Lamniformes. This shark individual is estimated to have measured at least 2.5 m and as much as 3.8 m in total length. The morphology of placoid scales indicates that Cardabiodon was capable of fast swimming and was likely able to actively pursue lively prey.