GSA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, USA - 2019

Paper No. 194-7
Presentation Time: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM

MAZON CREEK SHARKS AND THEIR EGG CASES


TAMEZ-GALVAN, Evan Michelle, Geology, Mercyhurst University, 501 E 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546; Department of Geology, Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546 and MCKENZIE, Scott C., Geology, Mercyhurst University, 501 E 38th Street, EL PASO, 79912; Department of Geology, Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th St., Erie, PA 16546

Sharks are an un-common element in the classic Mazon Creek lagerstatte (Braidwood and Essex faunas). Shark egg cases (Paleoxyris, Fayolia and Vetacapsula) are also found in various degrees of rarity. We offer photographic documentation of several never-before illustrated specimens of Bandringa, Vetacapsula and Fayolia. We hypothesize that nodule size may have acted as a filter to exclude most of the larger adult sharks. We will also illustrate photos of a cast by Dr. Donald Baird of a large and unusual shark head from Mazon Creek that remains undescribed.