'The Secret History of Sharks' dives into the pre-history and evolution of sharks

CapeTalk's John Maytham is joined by acclaimed paleontologist and author John Long, to dive into his recent work, The Secret History of Sharks.

Listen below:

Long says he started collecting fossil shark teeth at seven years old, when he became fascinated by them and eventually formed a successful career by becoming a paleontologist who specialises in the evolution of fish and sharks.

Long's latest work, The Secret History of Sharks, significantly expands and updates the outline of shark evolution.

From ancient Megalodons to fearsome Great Whites, the book tells the complete untold story of how sharks emerged as Earth's ultimate survivors who have been fighting for their lives for 500 million years, and today are under dire threat.

In the book, Long makes the argument that part of the history of sharks is that we do not know from what the shark evolved. The book is also titled the way it is because the history of sharks has never been told before as it is here.

Long, who for decades has been on the cutting edge of shark research, weaves a thrilling story of sharks’ unparalleled reign.

The Secret History of Sharks showcases the global search to discover sharks’ largely unknown evolution, led by Long and dozens of other scientists. They embark on digs to all seven continents, investigating layers of rock while using cutting-edge technology to reveal new fossils and clues to sharks’ singular story.

As the tale unfolds, Long introduces an enormous range of astonishing organisms: a 30 foot long shark with a deadly saw blade of jagged teeth protruding from its lower jaws, a monster giant clams crusher, and bizarre sharks fossilised while in their mating ritual.

The book also includes startling new facts about the mighty Megalodon, with its 66 foot long body, massive jaws, and six-inch serrated teeth.

With insights into the threats to sharks today, how they contribute to medical advances, and the lessons they can teach us about our own survival, The Secret History of Sharks is a riveting look at scientific discovery, with ramifications far beyond the ocean.

Maytham is fascinated by this read and highly recommends it for all shark lovers.

"The first 40 to 50 million years of their history is almost a mystery, because we almost have a handful of scales and the odd spine... and no teeth. They probably evolved teeth later on and that's where their fossil record really starts to pick up and we get lots of different species occurring from about 400 million years ago - including in South Africa."

- John Long, Paleontologist and Author 

"The whole pre-history of sharks and how through the 460 odd million years they've been around - which is older than trees, and older than even the rings of Saturn, dare I say... but they survived all five of Earth's major mass extinction events to be here with us today, and that gives them the crown of being Earth's ultimate survivors in terms of the jawed animals of the planet, because no other group has survived all five of those mass extinction events... how did they do it is the question everybody asks."

- John Long, Paleontologist and Author 

Long says until we find better fossils, it's going to be hard to solve where sharks come from, but paleontologists must keep going out into the field and keep searching to get a breakthrough. 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.