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Researchers have discovered proof of a previously unknown category of extinct predators known as “terror beast” worms. These creatures were the dominant species in the oceans over 500 million years ago.
The remains of these worms, which date back to prehistoric times, were discovered in the sedimentary layers at the Sirius Passet location in Northern Greenland.
In the ancient worm’s digestive system, evidence was discovered by researchers from the University of Bristol that suggests its last meal may have been a small creature known as Isoxys.
Scientists believe these large worms, named Timorebestia, meaning “terror beasts” in Latin, were close to the top of the ancient food chain 518 million years ago, “equivalent in importance to some of the top carnivores in modern oceans such as sharks and seals”.
It is theorized that these animals could have ruled for approximately 10 to 15 million years before being surpassed by other, more prosperous groups.
The Timorebestia, which measured around 30cm, had a unique head with lengthy antennae. It also had fins on its body and large jaw structures in its mouth.
According to Dr. Jakob Vinther, of the University of Bristol’s Schools of Earth Sciences and Biological Sciences, the Timorebestia’s nearest living relative is a type of arrow worm known as chaetognaths.
Chaetognaths are small carnivorous sea worms that are approximately 1cm in length and consume small zooplankton.
The scientists stated that their study, which was published in the journal Science Advances, offers insight into the evolution of arrow worms.
According to Tae Yoon Park, a senior study author from the Korean Polar Research Institute, living arrow worms possess a unique nervous center located on their stomach known as a ventral ganglion.
This trait is exclusive to these creatures.
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“We have discovered this fossil in Timorebestia and another one known as Amiskwia.”
There has been a discussion about the potential relationship between Amiskwia and arrow worms, as they may share a common evolutionary ancestor.
The fact that these distinct ventral ganglia are well-preserved increases our confidence in this theory.
“We are thrilled to have found such distinctive predators in Sirius Passet.”
According to Dr Vinther, who is also a senior author of the study, their findings demonstrate that the ocean ecosystems of the past were quite intricate, with a food chain that supported multiple levels of predators.
Isoxys, which was discovered inside Timorebestia, is thought to be a marine arthropod, a type of invertebrate animal with legs that have joints.
Morten Lunde Nielsen, a previous doctoral candidate from the University of Bristol who participated in the research, stated that Isoxys likely served as a source of food for numerous other creatures. He also added that Timorebestia consumed them in large amounts.
Source: independent.co.uk
