Ancient Sea Worm Named after 'Dune' Monster Unveiled in Study

A previously unknown species of annelid, a type of segmented worm, has been discovered in the Spence Shale Lagerstätte in Utah. The fossil, named Shaihuludia shurikeni after the worms in the "Dune" novels, is unique among Cambrian annelids due to its impressive chaetae. The finding also led to the reclassification of another annelid found in the same area as Burgessochaeta. The discovery provides insights into the marine ecosystem of the mid-Cambrian period, highlighting the intense biodiversity of that time.