Ancient Shark Pups

Xenacanthid

The latest Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology reported the discovery this month of the existence of an ancient shark nursery in Kyrgyzstan. Egg case fragments along with several small baby teeth litter the scene, evidence of a sort of birthing ground for pregnant sharks. The presence of the teeth indicates that not only were many shark pups hatched there but that they remained in the area after birth as well.
"It allows the direct correlation between those eggs and the young and the interpretation of the area as a shark nursery," explained Jan Fischer in an interview with Discovery News.

Hybodontid

Generally, shark pups hatch into an open ocean. They do not remain with their mothers or form bonds between themselves. The sharks from which these specimens orignated are long extinct, both Hybodontids as well as Xenacanthids. However, a few adult teeth were found as well; proving there is still much to learn about our neighbors in the sea.