Ancient prey-predator interactions are sometimes preserved in the vertebrate fossil record in the form of traces such as bite marks and gnaw marks. Here, we report on a probable shark bite mark affecting a partial carapace belonging to the extinct leatherback turtle Psephophorus polygonus (Chelonioidea: Dermochelyidae) from the Pietra Leccese Formation (Miocene, southern Apulia). This specimen is kept at the Museo dell’Ambiente dell’Università del Salento (MAUS) with accession number MAUS 1008/1. In order to characterise the observed mark, we acquired a digital model of the carapace via photogrammetry and performed an elevation analysis of the injury. The latter appears as a furrow-like incision that cut through the turtle’s dermal ossicles. It is narrow (maximum width 11 mm) and elongated (total length 55 mm). The trace is slightly asymmetrical as its deepest point (as deep as 18 mm) is eccentric, and damaged areas occur at both ends of the mark. The long margins of the injury are characterized by a downward bending of the ossicles, which appears to be fairly more abrupt on one side than on the other. Based on the size and morphology of the studied trace, it likely represents the mark left by the impact of a large-sized shark tooth. This interpretation is supported by actualistic observations that have provided evidence that macropredatory sharks such as Carcharodon carcharias feed upon the extant leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Furthermore, the chelonian fossil record preserves several examples of shark bite marks on turtle shell elements. Among the many selachian genera whose remains have been collected from the Pietra Leccese Formation, the extinct genus Carcharocles (Lamniformes: Otodontidae) represents the most probable producer of the trace observed on MAUS 1008/1. Despite its fragmentary nature, this find contributes to reconstruct the structure of the central Mediterranean trophic chain during the Miocene.
A LEATHERY MEAL: MEGATOOTHED SHARK BITE MARK ON A PSEPHOPHORUS CARAPACE FROM THE PIETRA LECCESE FORMATION (MIOCENE, SOUTHERN ITALY) AND ITS PALAEOECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
Emanuele PERI
Primo
;Alberto COLLARETASecondo
;Giovanni BIANUCCIUltimo
2023-01-01
Abstract
Ancient prey-predator interactions are sometimes preserved in the vertebrate fossil record in the form of traces such as bite marks and gnaw marks. Here, we report on a probable shark bite mark affecting a partial carapace belonging to the extinct leatherback turtle Psephophorus polygonus (Chelonioidea: Dermochelyidae) from the Pietra Leccese Formation (Miocene, southern Apulia). This specimen is kept at the Museo dell’Ambiente dell’Università del Salento (MAUS) with accession number MAUS 1008/1. In order to characterise the observed mark, we acquired a digital model of the carapace via photogrammetry and performed an elevation analysis of the injury. The latter appears as a furrow-like incision that cut through the turtle’s dermal ossicles. It is narrow (maximum width 11 mm) and elongated (total length 55 mm). The trace is slightly asymmetrical as its deepest point (as deep as 18 mm) is eccentric, and damaged areas occur at both ends of the mark. The long margins of the injury are characterized by a downward bending of the ossicles, which appears to be fairly more abrupt on one side than on the other. Based on the size and morphology of the studied trace, it likely represents the mark left by the impact of a large-sized shark tooth. This interpretation is supported by actualistic observations that have provided evidence that macropredatory sharks such as Carcharodon carcharias feed upon the extant leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Furthermore, the chelonian fossil record preserves several examples of shark bite marks on turtle shell elements. Among the many selachian genera whose remains have been collected from the Pietra Leccese Formation, the extinct genus Carcharocles (Lamniformes: Otodontidae) represents the most probable producer of the trace observed on MAUS 1008/1. Despite its fragmentary nature, this find contributes to reconstruct the structure of the central Mediterranean trophic chain during the Miocene.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
