Researchers from the University of Kansas have uncovered a previously unknown species of ancient sea worm, named Shaihuludia shurikeni, in the Spence Shale region of Utah. This discovery highlights the richness of marine life from the mid-Cambrian period, with the team also reclassifying another fossil as a species previously thought only to exist in Canada.
Excavations in the Spence Shale Lagerstätte by a University of Kansas paleontologist led to the uncovering of this ancient sea worm, unknown to science before now. Research associate Rhiannon LaVine, who found the fossil, was part of a team that has been exploring the Spence Shale’s geological formation, known since the early 20th century for its diverse array of Cambrian trilobites and other fossils.
The team’s discoveries were published in the peer-reviewed journal Historical Biology, with images including a SEM-EDS map showing concentrations of various elements, supporting the conclusion that the specimen is indeed a fossil.
LaVine described the moment of discovery, recounting how she knew instantly that it was something atypical. Her team, including local experts, were perplexed and had never seen anything like it before. Once back at the KU Biodiversity Institute, LaVine and her colleagues started investigating the mysterious fossil, consulting with experts and conducting sophisticated tests.
The scientific investigation included collaboration with the University of Missouri to employ scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry on the fossil. The main goal was to confirm that it was a biological entity rather than a mineral growth. The specimen, 7 or 8 centimeters long, was a significant size for a fossil of this type.
The fossil was finally classified as an unknown species of annelid, part of a diverse group of segmented worm species found worldwide. As the discoverer, LaVine named it Shaihuludia shurikeni, referencing the “Dune” novels and the Japanese word for throwing star, representing the worm’s blade-like appearance. Describing a new Cambrian annelid is an extraordinary event.
Other discoveries included the reclassification of another fossilized annelid from the Spence Shale as Burgessochaeta, previously only found in Canada. Both species would have existed in a marine ecosystem rich with invertebrate organisms during the mid-Cambrian, known for its immense marine biodiversity.
LaVine reflected on the concept of deep time and evolution, musing about the way our planet has preserved a record of history and different environments over billions of years. The findings were a collaborative effort, with co-authors including James Schiffbauer, Sven Egenhoff, Kevin Shelton, and Wade Leibach. The study, published on April 8, 2023, in Historical Biology, provides a glimpse into ancient worlds beneath our feet.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shaihuludia shurikeni
What is the newly discovered species of ancient sea worm called?
The newly discovered species of ancient sea worm is named Shaihuludia shurikeni.
Where was the Shaihuludia shurikeni discovered?
The Shaihuludia shurikeni was discovered in the Spence Shale of Utah.
Who made the discovery of Shaihuludia shurikeni?
Researchers from the University of Kansas, including Rhiannon LaVine, made the discovery.
What is significant about the discovery of Shaihuludia shurikeni?
The discovery is significant because it adds to the understanding of the diversity of the mid-Cambrian marine ecosystem. The ancient sea worm was previously unknown to science.
How was the discovery of Shaihuludia shurikeni confirmed?
The discovery was confirmed through scientific investigation including scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, ensuring that the specimen was a biological entity.
What does the name Shaihuludia shurikeni represent?
The name Shaihuludia shurikeni draws inspiration from the indigenous name for worms on the planet Arrakis in the “Dune” novels by Frank Herbert, and “shuriken,” the Japanese word for throwing star, representing the shape of the blade-like chaetae.
Were there other significant discoveries related to this find?
Yes, another fossilized annelid previously found in the Spence Shale was reclassified as Burgessochaeta, a species thought to have only been found in Canada before.
How is the discovery of Shaihuludia shurikeni relevant to the study of evolution?
The discovery helps us understand the marine ecosystem of over 500 million years ago, providing insights into evolution, biodiversity, and the history of life on Earth.
More about Shaihuludia shurikeni
- University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum
- Historical Biology Journal
- State Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe, Germany
- Dune Novels by Frank Herbert
