"518-Million-Year-Old 'Terror Beast' Worms Unearthed in Greenland"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org
Scientists have discovered fossils of large predatory worms, named Timorebestia, in North Greenland, dating back more than 518 million years to the Early Cambrian period. These 'terror beasts' were significant swimming predators, reaching lengths of over 30cm, and are considered to be distant relatives of modern arrow worms. The findings, which include preserved digestive systems and nervous centers, suggest a complex ancient ocean ecosystem with multiple predator tiers and provide new insights into the evolution of early carnivorous animals. The research, revealing a past dynasty of predators, is published in the journal Science Advances.