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Scientists discover fossils of ancient microscopic worms
Scientists have discovered fossils of 530 million-year-old microscopic worms, filling a huge gap in the known fossil record of kinorhynchs -- small invertebrate animals that are related to arthropods.
New York: Scientists have discovered fossils of 530 million-year-old microscopic worms, filling a huge gap in the known fossil record of kinorhynchs -- small invertebrate animals that are related to arthropods.
A team of researchers discovered fossils of kinorhynch worms commonly known as mud dragons in China's Nanjiang province, a Virginia Tech statement said.
"Kinos represent an animal group that is related to arthropods -- insects, shrimps, spiders, etc. -- which are the most diverse group of animals on the planet," said Shuhai Xiao, a professor of geobiology in the department of geosciences, part of the College of Science at Virginia Tech.
Shuhai referred to kinorhynchs as "kinos" for short.
Shuhai said the new fossil can tell more about how and why body segmentation evolved many times among not only arthropods, but several other groups of animals. Scientists believe kinos and arthropods should have evolved more than 540 million years ago.
