What is a frilled shark?

A frilled shark is an ancient species of shark, often called a 'living fossil,' that looks like a cross between an eel and a shark and has changed very little over millions of years.

Where do frilled sharks live?

Frilled sharks inhabit the deepest parts of the ocean, typically between 200 and 1,500 meters below the surface.

Why are scientists fascinated by the frilled shark?

Scientists are fascinated because the frilled shark is a 'living fossil,' having hardly changed in appearance or features since its emergence millions of years ago.

Home / Science / Living Fossil: Frilled Shark Unchanged for 80 Million Years

Living Fossil: Frilled Shark Unchanged for 80 Million Years

22 Dec

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Summary

The frilled shark, a living fossil, has remained unchanged for over 80 million years.
This deep-sea creature resembles an eel with over 300 needle-sharp teeth.
Rarely seen, frilled sharks inhabit ocean depths between 200 and 1,500 meters.

Living Fossil: Frilled Shark Unchanged for 80 Million Years

Scientists are captivated by the frilled shark, a species that has endured for over 80 million years with minimal evolutionary change. This ancient creature, often called a 'living fossil,' resides in the ocean's deepest realms, far from human sight. Its unique appearance, a blend of eel and shark features, includes a serpentine body and a formidable mouth filled with more than 300 sharp teeth.

The frilled shark is a relic from a time when dinosaurs still populated the Earth. Unlike modern sharks, it retains ancient characteristics, such as six pairs of distinctive gill slits. It navigates the dark waters slowly, resembling a prehistoric ghost. These sharks can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and dwell at depths ranging from 200 to 1,500 meters, making them a rare and mysterious sight.

Their hunting technique is a slow, sudden lunge, perfect for capturing slippery prey like squid and small fish. Living solitary lives, their elusive nature makes them challenging to study. The continued existence of the frilled shark serves as a reminder of the vast, unexplored mysteries hidden within the deep sea.