stroppingia

Stroppingia is a genus of extinct cartilaginous fish that lived during the Devonian period. These ancient sharks are primarily known from fossilized dermal denticles, which are small, tooth-like scales that covered their skin. The denticles of Stroppingia are characterized by their distinctive shape and arrangement, allowing paleontologists to identify them as belonging to this specific genus.

The exact phylogenetic placement of Stroppingia within the broader group of cartilaginous fishes is still a subject of ongoing research. However, based on the morphology of its denticles, it is generally considered to be an early representative of the Chondrichthyes, the class that includes modern sharks, rays, and chimaeras. The discovery of Stroppingia fossils provides valuable insights into the early evolution of shark-like creatures during the Devonian, a period of significant diversification for marine life.

Fossils attributed to Stroppingia have been found in various locations around the world, indicating a potentially widespread distribution during its time. The environmental conditions during the Devonian, often referred to as the "Age of Fishes," were conducive to the development of diverse aquatic ecosystems, and Stroppingia likely inhabited these environments. Studying these ancient organisms helps us understand the lineage and evolutionary history of cartilaginous fishes.