Facts about Shark Prehistoric Evolution
- 05
The earliest shark-like scales, known as dermal denticles, have been found in deposits dating to the Ordovician period, predating the first complete shark fossils.
- 04
Unlike bones, shark skeletons are made of cartilage, which rarely fossilizes, so most prehistoric shark evidence comes from their durable teeth and scales.
- 03
Cladoselache, one of the earliest known sharks, appeared approximately 370 million years ago and lacked the calcified vertebrae seen in modern sharks.
- 02
Megalodon, an extinct prehistoric shark, is estimated to have reached lengths of around 15–18 meters, making it one of the largest predatory fish ever.
- 01
Sharks are among the oldest jawed vertebrates on Earth, with fossil evidence placing their origins at roughly 450 million years ago.