In 1964, scientists found the skull of a massive ancient relative of the sockeye salmon in Oregon. Estimated to reach up to nine feet in length, this fish was named Smilodonichthys rastrosus, later changed to Oncorhynchus rastrosus. Nicknamed the saber-toothed salmon, this species had fangs that resembled those of saber-toothed tigers. Fast forward to 2024, new fossils revealed a different story. The two newly discovered salmon skulls had large teeth that protruded outward, more like a warthog than a saber-toothed tiger. These fish, now known as spike-toothed salmon, were likely a mating pair fossilized while spawning. Unlike their saber-toothed ancestors, these fish did not use their teeth for hunting but rather for defending territories and building nests. This new information has led to adjustments in how scientists and artists portray this prehistoric creature, showcasing how our understanding of the past evolves with new discoveries.
Vocabulary List:
- fossil (noun): The preserved remains of a prehistoric organism.
- ancestor (noun): A person or animal from whom one is descended.
- evolve (verb): To develop or change gradually over time.
- territory (noun): An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.
- prehistoric (adjective): Belonging to or existing in times before recorded history.
- fang (noun): A longpointed toothespecially a canine tooth of a carnivorous animal.
