Fossil Shark Discovered Enclosed in Plaster Field Jacket, Possibly Filter-Feeder Species

According to experts, a massive ancient shark lying concealed in a museum collection room enclosed in plaster is probably representing a new species.

Nicknamed "Dave," after the owner of the farm where the specimen was first discovered nearly five decades back, the shark has now been put on exhibit at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Center in Morden, Manitoba, Newsweek reported.

Dave was initially revealed in the mid-1970s during mining operations in the site around Morden. Following its discovery, the specimen was brought to the CFDC, where it lay in storage for over 40 years, wrapped for protection in a plaster field jacket.

According to Adolfo Cuatera, executive director of the museum, which houses the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada, nobody thought there was something special.

He added that many specimens in the museum collection had not been appropriately examined because of a lack of resources, as is frequently the case in other institutions.

A Very Special, New Shark Species

Approximately eight years ago, researchers at the museum decided to look at the specimen, opening up the plaster field jacket and discovering that it was indeed a shark and a specifically interesting one.

He added that the discovery is a very special shark for many reasons. More so, they may be talking about a new species.

One of the reasons for it, as a special specimen, is the size. Cuetara explained that Dave is one of the biggest fossilized shark models in the world, with a measurement of 15 feet long, a similar Today UK News report said.

Additionally, Cuetara also said that it is highly plausible that Dave is representing a new species that scientists have never recorded in the past.

Filter-Feeder

In a related Winnipeg Free Press report, the museum director also said that the shape of the jaw, the skull, and the type of structures it has since the "preservation is very amazing, is telling us that it is" perhaps going to be a new species.

Such a confirmation that this shark represents a brand-new species has not yet come, although studies are underway to identify whether or not this is the case.

Analysis of the skeleton, including its lack of teeth, has specified that the shark was a type of basking or filter-feeder species, probably akin to modern-day whale sharks.

Filter-feeders sift out small animals from the water by using their mouths for nourishment instead of hunting huge prey.

Following his rediscovery in storage, Dave has now been put on display at the museum for the public to enjoy as scientists wait for the results of the upcoming scientific research.

Related information about fossil sharks is shown on Amaze Lab's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Sharks in Science Times.