Module 2

Shark Tooth Classification

and Data Collection

Classification

• Classification is the act of organizing something based on shared characteristics.

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• Classification is the means by which humans derive meaning and understanding of all the information and objects that we encounter.

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• Throughout this module you will learn how paleontologists classify fossils to learn about ancient ecosystems, as well as the importance of databases for managing and preserving this information.

What is a fossil?

What is a fossil?

Any evidence of a once living organism that is more than 10,000 years old.

This can include bones, teeth, shells, leaves, burrows, and more.

Extinct Llama Femur

Lemon Shark Tooth

Scallop Shell

Palm Leaf

All of these fossils were found in Florida!

What is paleontology?

Paleontology is the study of ancient life (fossils).

Extinct Llama Femur

Lemon Shark Tooth

Scallop Shell

Palm Leaf

Paleontologists at the Florida Museum of Natural History study these fossils!

Florida Fossil Hunting

Here is a short video about shark teeth created by Florida State Parks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lkv3Mfoep0

How do paleontologists organize fossils?

Imagine you are a paleontologist that just got back from a successful day of collecting fossils. Now your job is to organize these fossils to store them in your museum for future research.

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How are you going to organize your fossils?

Shark Tooth Sorting Activity

1. Divide into groups of 3-4 students
2. Each group will get a shark tooth kit
3. Sort your fossils into different categories
4. Write down your sorting strategy
5. Allow each group to present their sorting strategy

Taxonomy

Linnaean Taxonomy is the system used to classify living organisms based on their evolutionary relationships.

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Provide each group with a Shark Tooth Taxonomy Guide and have them re-sort their fossils based on the species they belong to.

Functional Morphology

Paleontologists also use the shape (morphology) of teeth to infer their function and corresponding diet.

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Provide each group with a Shark Tooth Functions Guide and have them re-sort their fossils according to the tooth’s function.

How do paleontologists organize fossils?

Grasping

Cutting

Crushing

Sand Tiger Shark

Requiem Shark

Eagle Ray

What do grasping teeth eat?

Grasping-type

Sand Tiger Shark

Types of prey:

Fast swimming, small

• fish
• squid

Narrow crown

Lateral

Cusplets

Long Root Lobes

What to cutting teeth eat?

Cutting-type

Dusky Shark

Fleshy prey:

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• marine mammals
• large fish
• other sharks

Serrations

Broadly triangular crown

Relatively flat

What do crushing teeth eat?

Crushing-type

Spotted Eagle Ray

Hard-bodied prey:

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-crabs

-clams

Thick

crown

Flat, large surface area

Multiple root lobes

Predator-Prey Videos

Cutting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyM6BQsC1Yk

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Grasping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DND717lnFLQ

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Crushing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f2UMA7OZvE

Shark Tooth Function Videos

Here are a couple of videos about shark tooth functions that you could watch with your students or use for a quick refresher.

Can animals have more than one tooth function?

Cutting-Grasping

Heterodonty

Types of prey:

Fast swimming or Fleshy

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-Fish (big or small)

-Marine mammals

Do humans have heterodonty?

We use our incisors to cut, our canines to grasp, and

our molars to grind and crush our food.

Optional Extension: Megalodon Evolution

During the evolution of Megalodon, how did the tooth function change?

Why would a species tooth function change through time?

What is data?

Merriam-Webster Definition:

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1. Factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation
2. Information in digital form that can be transmitted or processed
3. Information output by a sensing device or organ that includes both useful and irrelevant or redundant information and must be processed to be meaningful

Data is information that is used to develop meaning or make decisions

What is qualitative vs. quantitative data?

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data:

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Based on interpretation or observation and is descriptive in nature.

(Example - It is hot outside.)

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Quantitative Data:

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Based on numerical values and is either measurable or countable.

(Example - It is 95⁰ outside.)

Fossil Shark Tooth Data

Activity

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Shark teeth come in many shapes and sizes. Using your fossil shark tooth kits, select one tooth and describe it. Identify examples of qualitative and quantitative data that could be collected.

Examples of Qualitative Data

Tooth Description

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• Tall, narrow crown
• Incomplete cutting edge, lacking serrations
• Robust, thick root
• Tan to light brown in color
• One broken root lobe

Lingual

Labial

Lateral

Examples of Quantitative Data

Tooth Description

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• Tooth Height: 27.5 mm
• Crown Height: 21.6 mm
• Crown Width: 10 mm
• CH:CW ratio: 2.16
• Root Thickness: 11.8 mm

Lingual

Labial

Lateral

How do paleontologists interpret data?

• Taxonomy: classification of life on Earth

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• Ecology: interactions between organisms and their environment

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• Anatomy: an organism’s body structure

Taxonomy: Snaggletooth Shark (Hemipristis serra)

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Ecology: Grasping-type tooth for preying on fast fish

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Anatomy: Lower anterior tooth position

Data Collection Activity

• Have each group record qualitative and quantitative data about their fossils in an Excel spreadsheet or using Google Sheets.

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• Note that many teachers found it easier to have students record this information on a printed out table and then transfer the information into a spreadsheet.

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• You can create your own categories for the spreadsheet or use this example as a template

Databases

• A database is a large collection of data organized in a structured framework, typically in a computer

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• Databases are meant to make it easier to:
• store and maintain data
• access data
• sort and manipulate data

Explore Existing Databases

• Online databases can be accessed by anyone in the world to explore new research questions.

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• The Florida Museum has databases for all of their different natural history collections, including vertebrate paleontology.

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• Citizen scientists can also contribute to online databases. Check out the myFOSSIL eMuseum.

Module 2 Summary

• Fossils are any evidence of ancient life. Paleontology is the study of fossils.

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• Fossil morphology (shape) can be used to determine evolutionary relationships and ecological functions.

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• Paleontologists use different qualitative and quantitative data to organize and analyze fossils.

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• Databases are used to store, access, and manipulate data.