Paleontologists Find 467 Million-Year-Old Sea Scorpion 'King'
Yale paleontologists have unearthed the largest sea scorpion known to date and one that resembles an ancient Greek warship.
According to Reuters, Pentecopterus decorahensis lived 467 million years and was one of the top predators of its time. Adults measured 1.7 meters long and walked on six limbs. The fossils of the ancient creatures were found in a meteorite impact crater about 6 km in diameter by the Upper Iowa River. Researchers said the creature was highly evolved, suggesting that sea scorpions may have had a long history.
"The new species is incredibly bizarre. The shape of the paddle - the leg which it would use to swim - is unique, as is the shape of the head. It's also big - over a meter and a half long!" lead author, James Lamsdell, said in a press release.
The find pushes behind the date of existence for sea scorpions or Eurypterids by 10 million yeas. Researchers hope to find fossils older than the Pentecopterus.
The extremely well-preserved fossils have also helped scientists discern functions and features of the marine predator's body, most notably its limbs.
"Perhaps most surprising is the fantastic way it is preserved - the exoskeleton is compressed on the rock but can be peeled off and studied under a microscope. This shows an amazing amount of detail, such as the patterns of small hairs on the legs. At times it seems like you are studying the shed skin of a modern animal - an incredibly exciting opportunity for any paleontologist," Lamsdell said.
