Seven extinct shark species found on Egypt's Abu Targour plateau

Paleontologists have identified the remains of seven extinct shark species on the Abu Targour plateau in southwestern Egypt. The discovery provides a basis for reconstructing the marine ecosystem of North Africa during the Late Cretaceous period. Biological Diversity on the Abu Targour Plateau The Abu Targour plateau is one of the world's largest phosphorite deposits. These rocks form on the shelves of shallow seas in upwelling zones—areas where nutrient-rich deep waters rise to the surface. This process triggers phytoplankton blooms, which support the entire food chain and sustain large apex predators. The international research team recovered shark teeth exhibiting diverse morphologies, ranging from thin needle-like shapes to wide serrated and sickle-shaped teeth. These variations indicate distinct hunting strategies: some species were adapted to pierce prey, while others were equipped to slice flesh. The findings were published in the journal "Cretaceous Research".