Are Sharks Even Sharks? New Genetic Study Could Rewrite Shark Evolution.

A genomic study of 48 cartilaginous fish species found conflicting shark family trees depending on which DNA sequences were analyzed.

Protein-coding genes supported the traditional shark lineage, while ultraconserved elements pointed to frilled and cow sharks branching off earlier.

If confirmed, the result could reshape scientists’ understanding of shark evolution and the origins of key jawed-vertebrate traits.

The study, led by Yale researchers and posted on bioRxiv, suggests some shark groups may be more distantly related than previously thought.