Scientists have made a remarkable discovery in Canada, unearthing the oldest preserved adult jellyfish fossil ever found. The fossil, dating back 505 million years, was found at the Burgess Shale fossil site and is significant because jellyfish, being 95% water, are prone to rapid decay. The findings shed light on the ancient jellyfish’s appearance and life cycle, providing valuable insights into their evolution.
The ancient jellyfish closely resembles its modern counterparts, measuring approximately 20 centimetres long, with a bell-shaped body and over 90 tentacles around the edge. The exceptional preservation of the fossil is attributed to its burial in an undersea mud flow around 500 million years ago, preventing rapid decay.
ALSO READ: SGPC Seeks MEA Intervention, Says NYPD’s Beard Policy for Sikh Troopers Violates Rights
The discovery of the 182 fossils was made in the 1980s and 1990s at the Burgess Shale in Canada, where remains of various marine creatures, including jellyfish, were found. After careful analysis, researchers from the University of Toronto identified and named the new species as Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, representing the earliest recorded adult jellyfish.
Jellyfish have a complex life cycle involving two distinct forms: polyps and medusas. During their polyp stage, they dwell on the seafloor and reproduce asexually. Later, they mature into medusas, which can swim freely and mate with other jellyfish. This discovery provides the first definitive evidence of a large swimming jellyfish from that time, suggesting that the jellyfish life cycle was already established at least half a billion years ago.
The discovery of the oldest known jellyfish fossil in Canada is a significant scientific achievement, offering valuable insights into the ancient jellyfish’s appearance and life cycle. It provides a better understanding of the evolution and development of these enigmatic creatures that have existed for millions of years. The research adds to our knowledge of prehistoric marine life and contributes to the ongoing study of the history of life on Earth.
