ancient Organism Held in Fool's Gold Shows Off Notable Extremity
ancient Organism Held in Fool's Gold Shows Off Notable Extremity
Check out this newly found extinct creature species, lucky for us it was fossilized with a mineral that turned the ancient critter into a golden hue.
Yes, it's golden in color. The fossilized remnants belong to a defunct arthropod named Lomankus edgecombei, which died approximately 450 million years ago and became fossilized in iron pyrite—fool's gold, a different and honestly less valuable metal compared to its shiny yellow counterpart. Detailed information about these extraordinary fossil specimens can be found in an article published today in Current Biology.
As per Luke Parry, a paleobiologist at the University of Oxford and the study's lead author, "These fossils are not only exquisitely preserved but also have this stunning golden color. They seem as if they could just get up and walk away."
A team of paleontologists came across the Lomankus specimens in Rome, New York, in an area abundant with fossils called Beecher’s Bed. Lomankus was an arthropod, closely related to modern-day horseshoe crabs and spiders.
The oxygen levels in Lomankus' habitat during its lifetime helped preserve the specimens within layers of sediment. Over time, the yellow pyrite gradually replaced the tissue in the Lomankus specimens, making it possible for the paleontological team to recreate the animal in 3D over 450 million years later.
3D pictures of Lomankus were created using CT scanning, revealing the distinct anatomy of these ancient arthropods. Lomankus was a megacheiran, a subclass of arthropods with a "great appendage" on the front of their bodies. Sorry for the excitement, but the "great appendage" was actually an evolved limb with a "presumed sensory function."
Parry, the study's lead author, noted, "There are more species of arthropods than any other group of animals on Earth. A major factor contributing to their success is their highly adaptable head and its appendages, which have evolved to tackle various challenges, like a biological Swiss Army knife."
The golden Lomankus fossils provide a glimpse into the animal's underside, the structure of its mouth, and thin flagella on its great appendage used for sensing the environment and locating prey. These fossils are exceptional examples of ancient life that is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also highly informational.
Although it's not Han Solo in carbonite, these gilt fossils from central New York are a unique treasure for any paleontologist—or anyone fascinated by the incredible process by which ancient life on our planet can be preserved for nearly half a billion years.
There are pyrite deposits scattered across the eastern United States, as suggested by a paper presented earlier this year at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly. Some pyrite even contains real gold, providing an extra surprise! Moreover, pyrite is also valuable due to its ability to sequester lithium, an essential metal widely used in battery technology.
In short, not everything that sparkles is gold, but these shiny and golden fossils from central New York will undoubtedly spark a sense of wonder and intrigue among paleontologists and anyone else who appreciates the bizarre and wonderful mysteries of the prehistoric world.
The discovery of these golden fossils has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of ancient life, providing insights that could shape the future of science and technology. With advancements in technology, we might be able to use this preserved material to unlock secrets about the evolution of arthropods and their adaptations.
The unique properties of pyrite, such as its ability to sequester lithium, have significant implications for the development of future technology, particularly in the field of battery technology. This discovery underscores the importance of further exploring pyrite deposits to unlock their full potential.