A recent study published in PLOS ONE reports the discovery of ancient parasites preserved in fossilized feces that belonged to an aquatic predator over 200 million years ago. The research, led by Thanit Nonsrirach and colleagues from Mahasarakham University, Thailand, revealed evidence of parasites in a Late Triassic coprolite from Thailand’s Huai Hin Lat Formation. These coprolites are over 200 million years old and were likely produced by a species of phytosaur, which are crocodile-like predators found in the same fossil locality.
Ancient parasites are challenging to study due to their poor fossil record, as they usually inhabit soft tissues that don’t preserve well. However, in this case, traces of parasites were identified within the fossilized feces. The researchers found six small, round organic structures within the coprolite, ranging from 50 to 150 micrometers in length. One of these structures, an oval-shaped object with a thick shell, was identified as the egg of a parasitic nematode worm. The others seemed to be additional worm eggs or protozoan cysts of uncertain origin.
This finding marks the first instance of parasites being discovered in a terrestrial vertebrate host from the Late Triassic period in Asia. It provides a rare glimpse into the ancient life of an animal that was infected by multiple parasitic species. The discovery is particularly significant because it contributes to the limited knowledge about nematode eggs preserved within the coprolites of Mesozoic animals. Overall, this research expands our understanding of the distribution and ecology of parasites in the distant past and underscores the value of coprolites in revealing insights into ancient ecosystems and food chains.
Reference: “First discovery of parasite eggs in a vertebrate coprolite of the Late Triassic in Thailand” by Thanit Nonsrirach, Serge Morand, Alexis Ribas, Sita Manitkoon, Komsorn Lauprasert and Julien Claude, 9 August 2023, PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287891
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prehistoric Parasites
What is the significance of the recent study about ancient parasites in fossilized feces?
The study reveals evidence of ancient parasites preserved in fossilized feces from an aquatic predator over 200 million years ago. This discovery provides insights into host-parasite interactions and contributes to our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems.
How were the ancient parasites preserved in the coprolites?
Traces of parasites were identified within fossilized feces, also known as coprolites. These coprolites, dating back over 200 million years, contained small organic structures, some of which were identified as parasitic nematode worm eggs, offering a rare glimpse into ancient parasite-host relationships.
Why are ancient parasites difficult to study?
Ancient parasites are challenging to study due to their poor fossil record. Parasites usually inhabit soft tissues, which do not preserve well over time. Identifying evidence of ancient parasites often relies on rare occurrences like finding traces within coprolites, as was the case in this study.
What is the significance of the discovery in terms of scientific knowledge?
The discovery is significant as it marks the first record of parasites in a terrestrial vertebrate host from the Late Triassic period in Asia. This finding contributes to our understanding of parasite distribution, ecology in prehistoric times, and adds to our limited knowledge about nematode eggs preserved within coprolites.
How do coprolites contribute to scientific understanding?
Coprolites are valuable paleontological resources that contain undiscovered fossils. They provide insights into ancient ecosystems, food chains, and interactions between species. In this case, coprolites offered evidence of ancient parasites and their impact on prehistoric life.
Who conducted the research and where was it published?
The research was conducted by Thanit Nonsrirach and colleagues from Mahasarakham University, Thailand. The study titled “First discovery of parasite eggs in a vertebrate coprolite of the Late Triassic in Thailand” was published in PLOS ONE on August 9, 2023.
More about Prehistoric Parasites
- PLOS ONE Study
- Mahasarakham University
- Late Triassic Period
- Coprolites and Paleontology
- Nematode Worms
- Prehistoric Ecosystems
- Host-Parasite Interactions
