Prehistoric Sea Cow Fossil Reveals Rare Dual Predation

Fossil evidence from Venezuela shows a Miocene-era sea cow was attacked by both a crocodile and a shark, offering insights into ancient food chains.

The fossilized remains, discovered by a farmer, include a partial skull and 18 vertebrae of a sea cow from the extinct genus Culebratherium.
Distinct bite marks indicate the sea cow was first attacked by a crocodile, followed by scavenging from a tiger shark.
This discovery provides rare evidence of multiple predators on a single prey, a phenomenon seldom preserved in the fossil record.
The study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, underscores the importance of tropical regions like Venezuela for paleontological research.
Researchers highlight the similarities between ancient and modern food chain interactions, emphasizing the continued relevance of sea cows within ecosystems.