Texas Sharks Take the Spotlight on National TV

The annual Discovery Channel show that began as a science lesson has evolved into a pop‑culture phenomenon. This year, the series will spotlight a Texas expert and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s groundbreaking work.

Featured Host:

• Ron Tykoski, lead of the museum’s science department and a specialist in ancient vertebrates.

Episode Title:

• “Jurassic Sharks”

The episode airs on Discovery and is available on HBO Max, extending the museum’s reach beyond its walls.

What to Expect

• Focus on Massive and Unusual Sharks:
  The program dives into the most gigantic and distinctive sharks that once roamed Earth’s oceans.

• Texas Fossil Record:
  Tykoski highlights Texas’s surprisingly rich archive of these ancient predators.

• Field Trip to a Permian Site:
  Joined by associate research scientist Kesley Banks (Texas A&M) and museum director Chris Flis, the team visits a famed Permian location where sharks thrived over 270 million years ago.

• Exploring “Weirdos”:
  The trio discusses a range of bizarre species, many described by Tykoski as “weirdos,” illustrating the diversity of past sharks.

• Ecological Roles and Body Plans:
  Examples include:
• Xenacanthus: freshwater shark with double‑pointed, razor‑sharp teeth and spiny features for catching prey.

• Ptychodus: broad‑toothed shark built to crush ancient mollusk shells, such as ammonites.

• Computer Graphics:
  Realistic visualizations model the museum’s fossil evidence, bringing prehistoric marine life to life on screen.

Perot Museum Highlights

• Stress Marker Testing:
  Visitors can test blood samples for stress markers that reveal how pollution and hunting impact modern sharks.

• Engineering Challenge:
  Guests design boats capable of withstanding shark attacks, blending science with interactive fun.

• Themed Café:
  The museum café offers “Coral Reef Burgers” and “SharkBite Slushies.” Adults can enjoy special margaritas during a Thursday night event.

• Early‑Bird Perks:
  The first 100 visitors on Tuesday receive a free Shark Week fin hat.

• Meet‑and‑Greet:
  Tykoski hosts a session from 1 to 3 p.m., providing an opportunity to ask questions and view rare fossil displays.

The Vision

Tykoski believes that sharks can ignite public interest in nature and hopes this partnership will inspire future curiosity about our planet’s past.