Chondrichthyan Microremains from the P/tr Boundary, South China

Chondrichthyes are predominantly marine fish and one of the top predators, which are interpreted to react most sensitively to environmental disturbances. The end-Permian mass extinction was the largest biological crises on Earth and had a significant impact on chondrichthyan evolution history and ecological niches. However, far less attention has been paid to the shark fauna from the eastern Tethyan area. Herein, we present a comprehensive taxonomic study of chondrichthyan microremains recovered from several Permian-Triassic sections (Meishan, Tieshikou, Huaying, Shangsi, Chaotian and Xibeixiang), South China. The newly obtained microfossils comprise 4 tooth genera and 31 dermal denticle morphotypes, representing Eugeneodontiformes, Symmoriiformes, Ctenacanthiformes, Hybodontiformes, Neoselachii and other indeterminate elasmobranchs. This study increases our understanding on the diversity, paleobiogeographic distribution, and ecological dominance of chondrichthyans in the region during this period.