Name:
Sarcoprion
(Flesh saw).
Phonetic: Sar-ko-pree-on.
Named By: E. Nielsen - 1952.
Classification: Chordata, Chondrichthyes,
Eugeneodontida, Agassizodontidae.
Species: S. edax.
Diet: Carnivore.
Size: Uncertain.
Known locations: Greenland.
Time period: Permian.
Fossil representation: The teeth arranged in a
'whorl'.
Sarcoprion appears to have been a similar kind of shark as the bizarre Helicoprion, but instead of having a circular 'tooth-whorl' like Helicoprion, Sarcoprion had more of a semi-circular whorl set upon its lower jaw. Sarcoprion may have rubbed this feature against prey that was pressed against the upper jaw, the lower teeth cutting through in a saw like manner.
Further reading
- On new or little known Edestidae from the Permian and Triassic of
East Greenland, E. Nielsen - 1952.