New information on the Devonian shark Mcmurdodus, based on material from western Queensland, Australia

Authors

  • Carole J. Burrow 1Geoscience Annex, Queensland Museum, 122 Gerler Rd, Hendra, Queensland 4011
  • Dirk C. Hovestadt Merwedelaan 6, NL-4535ET Terneuzen
  • Maria Hovestadt-Euler Merwedelaan 6, NL-4535ET Terneuzen
  • Susan Turner 3School ofGeosciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800
  • Gavin C. Young Research School of Earth Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200

Keywords:

Mcmurdodus, Devonian, Hexanchiformes, Echinorhinus, Prismatic calcified cartilage, Tooth vascularization, Enameloid, Neoselachii

Abstract

Histological structure of the type and newly collected teeth of the shark Mcmurdodus whitei TURNER &YOUNG, 1987, from a Devonian (?late Emsian-early Eifelian) limestone outcrop in the Cravens Peak Beds of western Queensland, was determined by immersion in anise oil, thin sectioning, and acid etching of fractured surfaces. The morphology and vascularization of the teeth are comparable to those of modern hexanchiform and echinorhinid squaliform sharks, being most similar to those of Echinorhinus. Amultilayered enameloid layer is not discernible in Mcmurdodus teeth, but a parallel-fibred layer is possibly present. Prismatic calcified cartilage, presumed to be from M. whitei, appears identical to that of all elasmobranchs. Scales and spines and distinctive ringlike elements occur in the same horizon, the latter comparable with elements that encircle the lateral line in Echinorhinus, and which are found in no other Recent elasmobranchs.

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Published

2008-06-10

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Articles