Scientists uncovered fossils of gigantic sea scorpions also known as eurypterids, that roamed the seas approximately 400 million years ago. These ancient arthropods, some of which grew over 8 feet long were larger than today’s scorpions and even humans. The discovery was published in the journal Gondwana Research by Dr. Russell Bicknell and his team.
Also Read: Marmoset Monkeys Use Unique Names to Communicate, Says Study
Eurypterids referred to as sea scorpions are an extinct group of aquatic arthropods. They are distant relatives of modern-day crabs, lobsters and spiders. Despite their name they are more closely related to these marine animals than to scorpions.
The eurypterids mentioned in the study were incredibly large with some species such as Jaekelopterus, growing over 8 feet in length. Another genus, Pterygotus also featured with individuals reaching up to five feet and seven inches.
The recent fossils were discovered in New South Wales, Australia. These discoveries are significant as they provide evidence that these gigantic sea scorpions once inhabited a wide range of locations across the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.
The fossil record of eurypterids was previously concentrated in North America and Europe, with findings in China. The new discoveries in Australia expand the known range of these creatures, indicating their ability to cross oceans and inhabit various parts of the world.
Eurypterids thrived during the Silurian period, which spanned from approximately 443.8 to 419.2 million years ago and the Devonian period from 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago.
During these periods, eurypterids were the predators in the oceans, comparable to modern-day sharks. Their size, strength and adaptability made them hunters capable of traversing vast distances in search of prey.
The newly discovered fossils date back to the Silurian and Devonian periods. These eras were crucial in the evolution of marine life with the Silurian period marking the diversification of jawed fish and the Devonian often referred to as the Age of Fishes.
The fossils were found in rock formations in New South Wales, Australia. This region was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which included present-day Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula.
While over 200 species of eurypterids have been documented globally, fossils in Australia have been rare. Previous finds in the region were often too fragmented to classify. The fossils discovered in Australia were nearly identical to others found around the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.
Also Read: Scientists Reveal Doughnut-Shaped Structure in Earth’s Outer Core
The fossils consist of exoskeleton fragments, the hard outer shells that protected these creatures. Some fossils even suggest the presence of a headpiece with eye structures.
Eurypterids possessed powerful legs and large claws, which made them efficient swimmers. Their ability to cover great distances in the ocean is comparable to that of modern whales.
Eurypterids mysteriously went extinct around 393 million years ago. This sudden disappearance has puzzled scientists for years.
Several theories have been proposed to explain their extinction including environmental changes such as falling sea levels, the formation of glaciers during the early Carboniferous period and increased competition with other marine species. The exact reasons remain unclear.
The discovery of these fossils in Australia opens up a new and exciting area of research. Previously, most fossils in Oceania were too fragmented to provide information.
The size of these sea scorpions may have been a crucial factor in their ability to survive and migrate across vast distances. Similar to how modern sharks and whales have adapted to ocean life, gigantism could have provided eurypterids with the necessary advantages to thrive in their environment.
Despite their size and success, eurypterids eventually vanished. Scientists are still trying to understand why these giants of the sea went extinct so abruptly. Theories range from ecological competition to self-driven extinction due to overextension of their habitats.
The similarity of the fossils across different regions of Gondwana indicates that these sea scorpions could have migrated across thousands of kilometers of ocean. This migration could have been driven by environmental factors or the search for food.
The research team suggests that the gigantism of these creatures may have played a role in their ability to undertake such long migrations.
The need to migrate over long distances may have driven the evolution of their large size. The exact cause-and-effect relationship remains an open question.
The fossil record indicates that eurypterids disappeared around 393 million years ago, towards the end of the Devonian period. This sudden extinction is one of the great mysteries surrounding these ancient creatures.
Also Read: Asteroid 2024 ON Set to Pass by Earth
