The first sharks appeared in the Earth’s oceans over 400 million years ago during the Devonian period. The exact species of the first shark is not known with certainty, as the early shark fossils are often incomplete or poorly preserved. However, one of the earliest known shark-like creatures is a genus called Cladoselache, which lived during the Late Devonian period around 370 million years ago.
Cladoselache was a primitive shark that had a streamlined body, a cartilaginous skeleton, and multiple rows of sharp teeth. It had a long, slender shape and reached lengths of about 6 to 10 feet. Cladoselache is considered an important early ancestor of modern sharks and played a significant role in the evolution of this diverse group of fish.
Since then, sharks have evolved and diversified into numerous species, adapting to various marine habitats and developing unique characteristics and adaptations that have allowed them to thrive for millions of years.