Fossilized tooth reveals prehistoric shark attack on seal

Palaeontologists have uncovered a fossilized tooth from a white shark embedded in the heel bone of a seal, shedding light on a dramatic event that unfolded 4.5 million years ago in the seas around what is now Florida. A team of experts, including one of our own palaeontologists, contributed to the detailed description of this ancient scene.

The positioning of the tooth within the seal's hind flipper strongly suggests a high-stakes pursuit, hinting at the possibility of active predation. Unfortunately, the evidence indicates that the seal did not survive the encounter, as there is a noticeable absence of healing around the embedded shark tooth.

This remarkable find not only provides a rare glimpse into the dynamics of prehistoric marine life but also underscores the enduring nature of the predator-prey relationship between white sharks and seals. Today, white sharks continue to exhibit similar hunting behavior, and this discovery offers valuable insights into a practice that has persisted for millions of years. The fossilized tooth serves as a poignant testament to the ancient dance between predator and prey that has played out in the oceans throughout the ages.

The study is published in the journal Comptes Rendus Palevol.