Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Although previous research has been conducted on morphological characteristics of shark teeth, it is beneficial to expand upon that research with further quantitative studies. This analysis compared Miocene aged shark teeth from the Calvert Formation to teeth from other taxonomic groups ranging from the Cretaceous to Pleistocene. Primary traits that were analyzed include size (by length and width measures) and shape characteristics. Morphospaces were created using eigenvalues generated from Principal Component Analysis. Significant differences in size were found between sharks, cetaceans, and reptile groups. A significant difference was also found in shark tooth size between the Cretaceous and Miocene periods. Suggested primary drivers for this development in shark teeth include the increased presence of cetaceans as well as an increase in biological activity stemming from a period of marine transgression.
Date Awarded
2012
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
Rowan Lockwood
Recommended Citation
Love, Ryan, "Morphometrics of Miocene Shark, Marine Mammal, and Reptile Teeth from the Calvert Formation, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (USA)" (2012). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 277.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/277
