Reconstructed image of a eurypterid sea scorpion. (Source: SCI News)
Researchers from China and the UK recently discovered fossils of a eurypterid - a previously unknown species of sea scorpion - dating back 450 million years to the Ordovician period in Zhejiang Province, eastern China.
This is the earliest fossil of this species found in China.
A joint working group led by the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , announced the discovery of this rare sea scorpion in Anji County.
Scientist Wang Han, who participated in the study, said the newly discovered sea scorpion has a round head and a parabolic body, measuring 15cm long. It looks cuter than previously discovered sea scorpions, but is actually a fierce predator under the sea.
Meanwhile, scientist Zhang Yundong - another member of the research team - pointed out that the sea scorpion species found in Anji is the oldest species found in China, shedding further light on the early evolution of sea scorpions.
In addition, fossils of other marine species found in deep sea areas, such as sponges, were also discovered in An Cat.
The advent of new equipment and the advancement of paleontological research methods will lay the foundation for further comprehensive studies of sea scorpions in China, the expert stressed.
The study was published in the journal Paleontology in May./.
Thuc Anh/vietnamplus.vn
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