Ancient armored fish evolved two distinct ways to crush prey 385 million years ago
Researchers from Flinders University have discovered that ancient armored fish known as placoderms evolved two distinct biting strategies to consume prey 385 million years ago. The study used 3D computer simulations to analyze how these early vertebrates adapted their jaw shapes for different diets.
Why it matters
This research provides critical insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrate jaws and the diversification of early marine life.
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Add as preferred source One of the fish fossil skulls examined in the research. Credit: Flinders University Long before dinosaurs appeared on Earth, fierce predatory fish developed crushing jaws and sharp teeth to survive and diversify in ancient oceans.
Flinders University researchers have used a new combination of techniques to find out how these armored fish called placoderms—the first vertebrates to evolve jaws and teeth more than 400 million years ago—caught their prey on an exotic ancient reef that once covered what is now northern Western Australia.
The scientists were surprised to discover these early jawed fish evolved two different ways of biting other armored prey in the rich marine ecosystems of prehistoric Australia.
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