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The braincase of a primitive shark

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2011

M. I. Coates  and
S. E. K. Sequeira
S. E. K. Sequeira
Affiliation:
M.I. COATES and S.E.K. SEQUEIRA, Darwin Building, Department of Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
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Abstract

The Devono-Carboniferous chondrichthyan Stethacanthus is best known for its striking 'spine-brush' complex. Here we provide the first detailed description of the neurocranium, using several well-preserved specimens from Bearsden, Scotland (Serpukhovian; Pendleian E1). Significant features include an otico-occipital region of about the same length as the ethmosphenoid division; short but distinct lateral otic processes; a short, broad endolymphatic fossa; a persistent otico-occipital fissure; Y-shaped basicranial canals indicating origin of the lateral aortae anterior to the occipital level; and minimal suborbital shelves limited to small, ethmoidally located outgrowths. Using placoderm, osteichthyan and acanthodian neurocrania for outgroup comparison, PAUP analysis of a matrix of 23 neurocranial characters produced the following branching sequence: (Helodus (Stethacanthus, Cobelodus (Tamiobatis (Xenacanthus (Cladodus wildungensis (Tristychius, Hybodus)))))). The location of Cladoselache in this analysis is uncertain and probably results from missing data and a morphologically restricted character set. Plesiomorphic conditions for chondrichthyan braincases are found to include the presence of a persistent otico-occipital fissure, projection of the median dorsal aorta anterior to the occipital level, and absence of suborbital shelves. These results may have important implications with regard to primitive gnathostome interrelationships, and especially the phylogenetic position of placoderms.

Keywords

BearsdenchondrichthyancladodontgnathostomeneurocraniumPalaeozoicphylogenyStethacanthus
Type
Research Article
Information
Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of The Royal Society of Edinburgh , Volume 89 , Issue 2 , 1998 , pp. 63 - 85
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1998

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