370 million-year-old shark fossils discovered

Scientists first found an almost complete skeleton of an ancient Phoebodus shark.

Fossil shark Phoebodus in Morocco.(Photo: Fox News).

Rare fossils of Phoebodus sharks have been discovered in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco, Fox News today reported. Shark teeth are one of the most popular fossils in the world. However, because their bodies are mainly made up of cartilage, it is difficult to store for a long time.

This is the first time scientists have found that the fossilized skeleton of Phoebodus existed from the late Devon Extinction Event . The fossils revealed that they had an eel-like body, specialized skulls and skeletons, a distinctive set of jaws, teeth and prongs. Through analysis, the team found that the fossil is about 370 million years old. Before its discovery, the rare vestige of ancient Phoebodus sharks was just three teeth.

Ancient Phoebodus sharks have long, eel-like bodies.(Photo: Fox News).

Among the vertebrates and jaws that existed before the coal age, Phoebodus' body shape was very different. With the eel and large jaws, Phoebodus may look similar to today's sharks, even though they are only far away.

"The sharks are a skilled predator with the ability to suddenly rush forward to grab prey. The teeth inwards help ensure the prey only has one way, which is down the throat. Maybe "Phoebodus is like that," said David Ebert, an expert at the Pacific Shark Research Center.

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