kerenodus

Kerenodus is a genus of extinct cartilaginous fish, specifically a type of hybodontiform shark. Fossil evidence suggests these sharks lived during the Late Jurassic epoch. They are known primarily from fossilized teeth, which are the most common remains found. These teeth are characterized by their unique shape and wear patterns, which provide clues about their diet and feeding habits.

The teeth of Kerenodus are generally robust and broad, often with a distinct cusp or multiple cusplets. The specific morphology varies between different species within the genus, allowing paleontologists to distinguish between them. Analysis of these teeth indicates that Kerenodus likely fed on hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks and crustaceans, as well as smaller fish. The broad surfaces of the teeth would have been effective for crushing rather than slicing.

Fossils of Kerenodus have been discovered in marine sedimentary rocks from various locations around the world, indicating a relatively widespread distribution during their time. Their presence contributes to our understanding of the diversity of shark life in Mesozoic oceans. Like other hybodonts, Kerenodus possessed fin spines located in front of their dorsal fins, a characteristic feature of this ancient shark group. The exact phylogenetic placement of Kerenodus within the hybodontiforms is subject to ongoing research and refinement as new fossil discoveries are made and analyzed.