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Delving into the evolutionary previous of the enigmatic deep-sea vampire squid, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, has lengthy been a pursuit shrouded in thriller. Nevertheless, latest discoveries, corresponding to a outstanding specimen unearthed from the Early Jurassic of Luxembourg, are shedding new mild on the early anatomy of vampyromorphs.
Enter Simoniteuthis michaelyi, a newfound taxon that has captured the eye of researchers worldwide. This outstanding creature, primarily based on an almost full pen accompanied by a head-arm advanced, is a brilliantly preserved fossil.
What makes Simoniteuthis actually intriguing is its uncommon arm crown, boasting solely 4 arm pairs as an alternative of the anticipated 5. This anomaly challenges our understanding of vampyromorph anatomy.
However the surprises don’t finish there. Examination of the specimen’s mouth area reveals proof of predation on two bony fishes. The 2 animals died within the act of predation, i.e. one had caught the opposite and had begun to nibble on it, once they presumably sank into hypoxic waters and suffocated.
In contrast to its trendy descendant, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, Simoniteuthis inhabited shallower waters, paying homage to Mesozoic vampyromorphs. This divergence in habitat and searching habits provides precious insights into the evolutionary trajectory of those fascinating creatures.
By meticulous evaluation of the fossil document, researchers speculate that vampyromorphs started a vertical migration into deeper waters, presumably pushed by shifts in feeding habits, as early because the Oligocene epoch.
Fuchs, Dirk, Robert Weis, and Ben Thuy. “Simoniteuthis, a brand new vampyromorph coleoid with prey in its arms from the Early Jurassic of Luxembourg.” Swiss Journal of Palaeontology 143.1 (2024): 1-10.
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