Genomic Study Rewrites Shark Evolutionary Tree

Are sharks and rays products of shared evolution or were they designed as separate creatures from the start?

Published 11 hours ago

Genomic Study Rewrites Shark Evolutionary Tree

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The Spin

Narrative A

Genomic data is rewriting what's known about shark evolution, and the results are stunning — sharks may not even form their own distinct group depending on which genome markers get analyzed. The position of ancient lineages such as sixgill and frilled sharks throws the entire evolutionary tree into question. This isn't a minor footnote; it's a major unresolved issue in vertebrate science with real conservation stakes.

Chase Brownstein on X

Narrative B

No fossil evidence of a common ancestor for sharks and rays has ever been found, and the creatures themselves are radically different in body shape, breathing mechanics and movement. Grouping them together simply because both have cartilage instead of bone is not proof of shared ancestry — it's an assumption. The far more reasonable conclusion is that these distinct creatures were designed separately from the start.

Creation Ministries International (CMI)

Metaculus Prediction

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited coverage. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our reporting as additional information becomes available.