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Heliobatis radians, fossil stingray
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Heliobatis radians, fossil stingray
Specimen of the fossil stingray (Heliobatis radians) originating from the Eocene rocks of Wyoming, U.S.A. This specimen is around forty-five million years old
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Media ID 8581909
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Batoidea Bone Cenozoic Chondrichthyes Elasmobranch Elasmobranchii Eocene Fishes Fossil Fossilised North America North American Palaeogene Phanerozoic Prehistoric Preserved Skeleton Stingray Dasyatidae Rajiformes Sting Ray
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This fascinating fossil specimen showcases the ancient stingray, Heliobatis radians, which is estimated to be around forty-five million years old. Discovered in the Eocene rocks of Wyoming, USA, this well-preserved fossil dates back to the Paleogene period of the Cenozoic Era, during the Phanerozoic Conion. The Heliobatis radians is a member of the Chondrichthyes class, specifically the Elasmobranchii order and the Dasyatidae family, which includes modern-day stingrays. The anatomy of this ancient marine creature is remarkably similar to its modern counterparts, with a flat, disc-shaped body and a long, whip-like tail bearing a venomous barb. The skeleton, now fossilized and beautifully preserved, reveals the intricate structure of the stingray's bony plates, called dermal denticles, which covered its body for protection. The Heliobatis radians is a significant find for paleontologists as it provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of stingrays. Its presence in North America during the Eocene period suggests that these animals were able to migrate across the Atlantic Ocean much earlier than previously believed. This discovery challenges our understanding of the biogeography of elasmobranchs and adds to the rich tapestry of marine life that existed during the Phanerozoic Conion. The Batoidea suborder, to which the Heliobatis radians belongs, is characterized by the presence of a unique, cartilaginous structure called the pectoral girdle, which supports the stingray's wing-like pectoral fins. This adaptation allowed the stingray to maneuver efficiently in the water, enabling it to hunt and evade predators. In this image, we are given a glimpse into the ancient world of the Heliobatis radians, a prehistoric stingray that roamed the seas of Wyoming millions of years ago. The intricate details of its skeleton, preserved in the fossil record, serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.
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