Artistic conception of the Pentecopterus decorahensis, an ancient predator of the seas. (Photo : Patrick Lynch/Yale University)
A gigantic "sea scorpion" measuring almost five feet and six inches in length was recovered by scientists as they found some fossilized remains in the state of Iowa, United States.
Researchers discovered more than 150 fossil fragments and remnants that are hidden in the upper layer of the Winneshiek Shale which is a sandy shale measuring 27 meters deep that was originally caused by a meteorite impact where most of it is found underneath the Iowa River.
Scientists from Yale University and the University of Iowa have dated back the remains of the ancient eurypterid to 460 million years which is now considered the oldest specimen of its kind, dating back 10 million years older than the prior one. Researchers have dubbed the mysterious, fearsome creature as the Pentecopterus decorahensis which is named after an ancient Greek warship, Penteconter.
According to the lead author of the study, James Lamsdell of Yale University, this new scorpion species is truly bizarre, where the shape of the paddle or the leg it utilizes for swimming is just as unique along with the shape of its head which is really huge, measuring more than a meter and a half in length.
He also adds that the fossilized remains were also found in pristine conditions where its exoskeleton is compressed on the rock where it can be removed and peeled off carefully for further microscopic observation.
With this kind of evidence, this can yield an amazing amount of detail such as patterns of tiny hairs found on its legs, making this an incredible opportunity for any paleontologist since the specimen is similar to a shed skin of a modern day creature.
After further analysis of the well-preserved fossils, the researchers discovered that its hind legs that include the paddles were most likely used for swimming and more digging into the sand. The legs and paddles were also thought to be covered all over in setae or bristles that were used as extra sensory tools.
In addition, the frontal legs which are found in two sets were also angled in a forward position that suggests that they were used to catch prey. This new study is published in the journal, BMC Evolutionary Biology.
