In the arid lands of the Pisco Basin in Peru, scientists have made a remarkable discovery—the fossilized remains of a great white shark ancestor dating back 9 million years.
A Rare Find in Paleontology
Unlike most fossilized sharks, which are often found as isolated teeth, this specimen is almost a complete skeleton. The discovery belongs to the species Cosmopolitodus hastalis, which is estimated to have reached 7 meters (23 feet) in length—about the size of a small boat.
Paleontologist Mario Urbina emphasized that such well-preserved shark fossils are extremely rare, and the high level of preservation offers a unique opportunity to study ancient ocean ecosystems.
What Did These Ancient Sharks Eat?
Among the remains, scientists found a massive jaw with teeth measuring up to 8.9 cm (3.5 inches), as well as sardine fossils inside the stomach area, indicating that these fish were a primary food source. Interestingly, modern anchovies—now common in the region—did not exist at the time, highlighting how marine ecosystems have evolved.
Peru as a Hub for Ancient Discoveries
The Pisco Basin is renowned as a treasure trove of prehistoric marine fossils, thanks to its unique climate and geological conditions, which have allowed exceptional fossil preservation.
Recent discoveries include:
November 2024 – Fossilized remains of a prehistoric crocodile that lived 10 million years ago.
April 2024 – A skull of the largest known freshwater dolphin, which swam in the Amazon 16 million years ago.
Why Is This Discovery Important?
These findings help scientists reconstruct ancient ocean environments, understand the evolution of marine predators, and reveal how ecosystems have changed over millions of years.
Future excavations in Peru may uncover even more secrets of prehistoric life, preserved in stone for millions of years.