Fossil Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark Tooth from Chile

Carcharodon carcharias

Lamniformes, Lamnidae

Geological Time: Pliocene (~ 3 million years old)

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): 25 mm diagonal measurement; 14 mm across at base

Fossil Site: Atacama Desert, Chile

Code: 8470

Price: $35.00 - sold

Description: The Great White has existed for ~ 5 million years. The modern-day version is thought to be threatened over parts of its range, and thus is a protected species in many areas. Some scientists think its closest relative is the Megalodon which they term Carcharodon megalodon. Others think they branched off earlier, and call the Megalodon Carcharocles megalodon. Those feel the great White is descended from the Mako Shark, genus Isurus. Whatever the case, they are the largest of predatory sharks extant, and as such inspire awe among all who see them. This fine specimen displays the characteristic serrations (Charcarodon means sharpened tooth in Greek). Coming from the Atacama Desert in Chile, it was found on a rainless plateau that parallels the coastline for some 600 miles. The desolate landscape is so moon-like that it has been considered as a test location for a new generation of Lunar Rover. This one shows cusplets, a leftover from its descent form Carcharodon auriculatus, showing it to be one of the oldest of the great whites known.

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