While studying the DNA of scalloped hammerhead sharks, biologists at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, uncovered genetic clues that led to the discovery of a new hammerhead species. The researchers found that some hammerheads had a very different genetic signature, despite their almost identical physical appearance.

A separate team, led by Joe Quattro at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, came to the same conclusion while studying the state's coastal shark stocks.

The newfound shark species has not been named. But new species appears to be extremely rare and possibly obligated to certain South Carolina bays.

"If South Carolina's waters are the primary nursery grounds for [this] species, and females gather here to reproduce, these areas should be conservation priorities," Quattro said.