Kentucky is a fascinating place that is filled with evidence of the past and one of the best places to explore the history of our land is Mammoth Cave National Park. As the longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave literally has layer upon layer of history from geological treasures to other glimpses of the past. Many incredible discoveries have been made here over the years and more continue to be found in the present day. Recently, a 330-million-year-old shark head was discovered in Kentucky within Mammoth Cave and the quality of its preservation is astounding.
Mammoth Cave National Park is a treasured destination in Kentucky that draws visitors from all over the world.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park The longest cave system in the world also attracts historians, scientists, and other professionals who are in search of rare discoveries within the cave that can teach us about the past. Recently a team made such a discovery that has gained national attention.
A field team from Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Dinosaur Park made a discovery that is almost unbelievable.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park While they found many fossils, the most impressive discovery was parts of a shark head from 330 million years ago. Yes, million!
The shark head was placed within the Late Mississippian period, which is how they came up with the approximate age of the fossil.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park The fossils are exposed along the cave wall and include parts of the lower jaw, indeterminate cranial cartilages, and several teeth, all from the same large shark.
While shark teeth aren’t exactly rare, even prehistoric ones, other parts of the shark are noteworthy discoveries.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park Teeth preserve well, but the skeleton that was found included cartilage, which is often not well-preserved over time. Because these fossils have been encased within the cave all these years, they have been safe from the elements and therefore they remain in incredible condition.
This prehistoric shark would have been the size of a Great White shark found in our oceans today.
Flickr/Bernard DUPONT These discoveries allow the experts to learn more about this time period, as well as how it impacted the future. They also bring about more interest in these causes and help to educate the public.
In the photo below you can see the size of one of the shark teeth that was found within the cave.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park If you’ve ever been on a tour of Mammoth Cave, then you know that guides share all sorts of information about the cave, including some of the other incredible findings over the years.
If you have yet to visit the cave and take a tour, every Kentuckian should do so at least once.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park And while most opt for an easier tour where you can remain standing the entire time, there are more adventurous options. And who knows what you may find as you crawl through this mesmerizing destination in Kentucky.
Many pieces of history and mysterious things have been found within Mammoth Cave and now that a 330-million-year-old shark head was discovered in Kentucky, the mystery and wonder continue. Have you taken a tour of Mammoth Cave? What did you learn about this incredible natural wonder in our state? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park
The longest cave system in the world also attracts historians, scientists, and other professionals who are in search of rare discoveries within the cave that can teach us about the past. Recently a team made such a discovery that has gained national attention.
While they found many fossils, the most impressive discovery was parts of a shark head from 330 million years ago. Yes, million!
The fossils are exposed along the cave wall and include parts of the lower jaw, indeterminate cranial cartilages, and several teeth, all from the same large shark.
Teeth preserve well, but the skeleton that was found included cartilage, which is often not well-preserved over time. Because these fossils have been encased within the cave all these years, they have been safe from the elements and therefore they remain in incredible condition.
Flickr/Bernard DUPONT
These discoveries allow the experts to learn more about this time period, as well as how it impacted the future. They also bring about more interest in these causes and help to educate the public.
If you’ve ever been on a tour of Mammoth Cave, then you know that guides share all sorts of information about the cave, including some of the other incredible findings over the years.
And while most opt for an easier tour where you can remain standing the entire time, there are more adventurous options. And who knows what you may find as you crawl through this mesmerizing destination in Kentucky.
To learn more about a visit to Mammoth Cave, visit its website.
And for more cave adventures in Kentucky, check out this road trip to 8 underground destinations.
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Address: Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA
