The article discusses newly published research on Dunkleosteus teleri, an ancient apex predator from 360 million years ago that could reach lengths of 4.2 meters (14 feet). This study is significant as it is the first detailed examination of this species in nearly a century, following a 1932 study that had limited understanding of its anatomy.
Researchers, led by Russell Engelman of Case Western Conservancy, visited the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, home to the largest collection of Dunkleosteus fossils. Their findings reveal that nearly half of the creature’s skull is made of cartilage, contrasting with previous assumptions of it being predominantly bony. Additionally, they discovered a unique jaw muscle associated with a rare bony groove, further linking Dunkleosteus to modern sharks.
Dunkleosteus is notable for lacking teeth, instead featuring blade-like bone structures. These characteristics, together with its unique anatomical features, indicate that Dunkleosteus and its relatives were not primitive but a diverse group of fish that occupied various ecological niches. The study, published in The Anatomical Record, sheds light on the complex evolutionary history of these ancient creatures.
