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Fossilized remains of massive predatory worms known as “terror beasts”, which inhabited the ocean over 518 million years ago, have been discovered in North Greenland.
According to researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK, Timorebestia, which translates to “terror beasts” in Latin, were among the first predatory creatures to inhabit the Earth. They were large worms.
During the Early Cambrian era, more than 520 million years ago, these creatures were some of the biggest marine animals, measuring over 30cm long. They had a noticeable head, lengthy antennae, large jaws, and fins along the sides of their body.
According to Jakob Vinther, the senior author of the study, Timorebestia is a distant yet closely related species to present-day chaetognaths, also known as arrow worms. These smaller predators in the ocean primarily consume tiny zooplankton.
According to researchers, the worms were once considered to be dominant predators and held a high position in the food chain.
Dr. Vinther noted that this elevates its significance to that of apex predators found in contemporary marine ecosystems, like sharks and seals during the Cambrian era.
The latest discoveries indicate that the ocean ecosystems of the past were more intricate than originally believed, with a food web that supported multiple levels of predators.
The Cambrian Explosion of Life on Earth Also Had an Impact on the Inner Workings of Our Planet.
Researchers discovered evidence of the prehistoric arthropod Isoxys as the primary food source in the fossilized digestive tracts of a recently unearthed worm.
Insects, a type of animal known as arthropods, first appear in the fossil record approximately 521 to 529 million years ago.
Other frequently found ancient animal fossils from the Cambrian period include arrow worms that have been dated back to at least 538 million years ago.
Dr. Vinther stated that both arrow worms and the less advanced Timorebestia were predatory creatures that swam. This suggests that they were the main predators in the ocean prior to the rise of arthropods.
The most recent discovery also provides insight into the beginnings of predatory creatures with jaws in the ocean.
Researchers report that additional fossils discovered during the upcoming years of the expedition will aid in understanding the appearance and evolution of the earliest animal ecosystems.
“During multiple journeys to the extremely isolated Sirius Passet, located at a latitude of over 82.5˚ in the farthest region of North Greenland, our team has gathered a wide range of fascinating new organisms,” stated Tae Yoon Park, a senior author of the study from the Korean Polar Research Institute.
Dr. Park stated that the exceptional preservation in Sirius Passet has allowed for the exciting revelation of anatomical details such as the creatures’ digestive system, muscle anatomy, and nervous systems.
Source: independent.co.uk
