Sharks, which once performed a wide range of ecological functions, are now steadily declining in number; Modern species display the least diversity in their extensive evolutionary history.
The study, led by graduate student Jack Cooper, used measurements of more than 9,000 fossil and living shark teeth to assess changes in sharks’ traits and ecological roles throughout the Cenozoic period. These traits, such as tooth size and shape, serve as indicators for body size and diet, allowing researchers to measure functional variation across geological periods.
The findings show that shark diversity peaked during the Miocene period, about 20 million years ago. However, since then the loss of ecologically unique species has led to a significant decline in diversity. Modern human threats, particularly overfishing, are likely exacerbating this decline.
Source: Ferra
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