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Why did so many
ancient sharks disappear? Think evolution — change over time. Animals
who live in the same environment compete for food, shelter, mates.
Those who are most successful win. That means they reproduce and
pass their genes on to their offspring. What do you think happened
to the sharks featured on these pages? Are their offspring around
today?
Join the Discovery
expedition to the Falkland Islands in search of the fossil remains
of the ancient shark Pucapampella. Tour
the ancient seas to meet some of Pucapampella's closest
friends. Or visit the prehistoric
shark gallery for illustrations of sharks beyond your imagination.
Think about the Helicoprion,
for instance, with its strange spiral jaw full of teeth. How might
those teeth have come in handy on the high seas? Why might the Helicoprion
and other ancient sharks have lost out in the game of evolution?
Think of yourself as a virtual scientist and consider how these
ancient sharks differ from the sharks of today.
Visit Discovery.com's main site to learn more about this expedition:
(Use your browser's back button to return to the school site)
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Shark Illustration: Ivy
Rutzky | © 2000 Discovery Communications Inc.
