Frilled Sharks Have Remained Morphologically Stable for Millions of Years

This shark’s body plan predates many modern mammal groups.

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Its scientific classification places it in a lineage distinct from most modern sharks.

The frilled shark retains primitive features such as six gill slits and an eel-like body, closely resembling fossil specimens dating back over 80 million years. Its morphology has changed far less than that of most shark lineages.

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While continents shifted and entire ecosystems vanished, this anatomical blueprint persisted in deep water. It effectively bridges prehistoric oceans and today’s marine environment.

Such stability implies that extreme depth may shield species from selective pressures common in shallower habitats. The deep sea can function as an evolutionary archive where ancient designs remain viable.

Source

Natural History Museum

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