Shark tooth weapons reveal missing shark species in Central Pacific islands
This is a close up of FMNH 99071 showing how the teeth of Carcharhinus obscurus were attached using braided cord. Credit: PLOS ONE 8(4): e59855. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059855. |
This image shows an example of a Gilbertese shark tooth weapon (FMNH 99071). Credit: PLOS ONE 8(4): e59855. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059855. |
"When we looked we found this shadow biodiversity, hints and whispers of what these reefs used to be like. It's our hope that by understanding how reefs used to look we'll be able to come up with conservation strategies to return them to their former vivid splendor," says Drew.
According to the study, sharks in these waters play important ecological and cultural roles, and understanding the historical ecological conditions of these reefs is an important first step in evaluating conservation efforts.
More information: Drew J, Philipp C, Westneat MW (2013) Shark Tooth Weapons from the 19th Century Reflect Shifting Baselines in Central Pacific Predator Assemblies. PLOS ONE 8(4): e59855.
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on Thursday, April 04, 2013.
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