lysat

Lysit is a genus of extinct sharks that lived during the Jurassic period. They were characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 1 to 3 meters in length. The fossils of lysit sharks have been found in Europe, North America, and Australia, indicating a widespread distribution across the continents during the time of their existence.

The lysit sharks were likely suspension feeders, with their teeth adapted for capturing small fish, squid, and other soft-bodied organisms. They had a distinctive dental arrangement, with numerous small, needle-like teeth in the upper jaw and fewer, larger teeth in the lower jaw. This adaptation suggests that they had a unique feeding style, likely involving the capture of small prey in the water column.

Phylogenetic analysis suggests that lysit sharks are closely related to the modern mackerel shark (Lamna nasus), and are therefore part of the family Lamnidae. However, their exact relationships within the family remain a subject of ongoing research.

Lysit sharks are known from several fossil species, including Lysitosaurus angustidens and Lysit perditor. Fossils of these species have been found in a variety of marine sedimentary rocks, including sandstones and limestones. The study of lysit sharks provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of sharks during the Jurassic period, as well as the ecology and paleoceanography of ancient marine environments.