Tag

Arthropod

All articles tagged with #arthropod

450-Million-Year-Old Arachnid Fossil Found in New York's Fool's Gold
science1 year ago

450-Million-Year-Old Arachnid Fossil Found in New York's Fool's Gold

Paleontologists have discovered a 450-million-year-old arachnid fossil, named lomankus edgecombei, encased in fool's gold in upstate New York. This ancient arthropod, found at Beecher’s Trilobite Bed, offers a rare 3D preservation, providing insights into the evolution of arthropod characteristics. The fossil's unique front limb, akin to a "biological Swiss army knife," suggests it was used for capturing prey and sensing the environment, highlighting evolutionary adaptations. This discovery aids in understanding the evolutionary pathways of modern arthropods like spiders and scorpions.

Ancient Spider Relative Found in Fool's Gold Unlocks Evolutionary Secrets
science1 year ago

Ancient Spider Relative Found in Fool's Gold Unlocks Evolutionary Secrets

A 450-million-year-old arthropod fossil, Lomankus edgecombei, preserved in fool's gold, has been discovered in New York, offering insights into the evolution of arthropod appendages. This species, related to spiders and scorpions, shows a shift from predation to environmental sensing, lacking eyes and using its appendages to navigate its dark, low-oxygen habitat. The fossil's preservation in pyrite allows for detailed 3D analysis, providing clues about the evolutionary adaptations of ancient arthropods.