Overview

• Three new ancient shark species, including Troglocladodus trimblei, Glikmanius careforum, and Palaeohypotodus bizzocoi, discovered in Kentucky and Alabama.
• The discoveries push back the origins of the ctenacanth lineage by over 50 million years, offering new insights into ancient marine ecosystems.
• Troglocladodus trimblei and Glikmanius careforum lived over 325 million years ago, predating the formation of the supercontinent Pangea.
• Palaeohypotodus bizzocoi, living roughly 65 million years ago, highlights the recovery of ocean life after major extinction events.
• The findings underscore the significance of Mammoth Cave and Alabama as rich sites for paleontological research, revealing over 400 unique species of sharks and bony fishes.