New Fossil Shark Species Discovered in Alabama
Named after educator Dr. Bruce Bizzoco, the Palaeohypotodus bizzocoi lived 65 million years ago, offering insights into post-extinction marine recovery.
- A new species of fossil shark, Palaeohypotodus bizzocoi, discovered in Alabama, lived approximately 65 million years ago, just after the dinosaurs' extinction.
- The shark's teeth feature unique tiny fangs on the sides, a characteristic not seen in any living shark species.
- The discovery was made accidentally while examining historical fossil collections, revealing teeth that didn't match any known species.
- This finding provides insights into ocean life recovery post-major extinction events and could help forecast the impact of global events like climate change on marine life.
- The naming of the species honors Dr. Bruce Bizzoco, a dedicated educator and archaeologist, reflecting his commitment to education and history preservation.