During which geological periods did the extinct Order Xenacanthiformes thrive?
Answer
Carboniferous and Permian periods
The Order Xenacanthiformes represents an extinct lineage of ancient sharks whose peak activity and flourishing occurred during specific intervals in the Paleozoic Era. Scientific literature pinpoints their primary time of dominance across the Carboniferous period and extending into the subsequent Permian period. This places the existence of these specialized freshwater sharks well before the major diversification of sharks known from the Cenozoic era, offering insights into elasmobranch diversification in much older ecosystems.
Related Questions
To which Class does the ancient shark genus *Xenacanthus* belong based on its skeleton?What distinctive anatomical feature defines the Order Xenacanthiformes?What is the approximate translation of the genus name *Xenacanthus*?What Phylum links *Xenacanthus* to other vertebrates possessing a notochord?What specialized environment were *Xenacanthus* fossils often found in, relating to its body plan?During which geological periods did the extinct Order Xenacanthiformes thrive?Which Family sits immediately above the genus *Xenacanthus* in the taxonomic hierarchy?Which alternative genus name has been used for reclassified Australian *Xenacanthus* specimens?What critical method confirms the placement of modern fish classes versus *Xenacanthus* classifications?What Kingdom classification is shared by *Xenacanthus* and nearly all recognizable animal life?What function is plausibly suggested for the cranial spine given *Xenacanthus*'s eel-like locomotion?