On the southern shore of the Isle of Wight, renowned for its rich paleontological finds, a remarkably well-preserved tooth of an ancient shark has been discovered. Experts from Wight Coast Fossils report that the tooth belongs to the species Squalicorax falcatus, commonly known as the 'crow shark.'
This species roamed the oceans around 90-100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, long before the more famous and gigantic megalodon. The tooth was found partially embedded in sandstone and has drawn significant interest due to its unique preservation. After careful extraction, it was added to the collection of Theo Vickers, who studies such fossils.
Measuring about 1.5 centimeters in height, the tooth showcases remarkable detail, resembling the teeth of modern tiger sharks with its serrated edges akin to a can opener blade. This suggests that Squalicorax falcatus was well-adapted for both hunting and scavenging.
Experts note that these sharks could reach lengths of up to three meters, making them medium-sized predators inhabiting both open ocean and coastal waters. Squalicorax played a crucial role in the late Cretaceous ecosystem but, like many species, went extinct during the catastrophic Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.
This mass extinction, occurring about 66 million years ago due to a large asteroid impact, wiped out most large vertebrates on Earth, including dinosaurs and marine reptiles. The waves of extinction also affected plankton, coral reefs, and terrestrial plants.
Fossils of Squalicorax falcatus have been previously found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, but such finds remain rare on the Isle of Wight. According to representatives from Wight Coast Fossils, this discovery confirms that even in well-explored areas, unique evidence of the past remains. The shark tooth serves as a reminder of our planet's rich history and allows scientists to gain deeper insights into ancient ocean ecosystems.