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Cladoselache - Definition and Overview |
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| Cladoselache
Conservation status: Fossil |
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| Scientific classification |
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Cladoselache is a genus of extinct fish-like shark and is the oldest recognizable shark-like animal. It appeared in the Devonian period.
Cladoselache is thought to have grown up to 3 feet long. It had a very weak jaw joint compared with modern-day sharks, but it compensated with very strong jaw-closing muscles. It has been inferred from its long, streamlined body and deep, forked tail shape that Cladoselache was was a fast-swimming predator. Its teeth were multi-cusped and smooth-edged, making them suitable for grasping, but not tearing or chewing. Cladoselache therefore probably seized prey by the tail and swallowed it whole.
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