The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has revealed a groundbreaking discovery of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, the oldest identified swimming jellyfish that existed 505 million years ago. This fossil, found in the Burgess Shale, gives insight into the Cambrian ecosystem’s diversity.
An artist’s portrayal of these ancient jellyfish was created by Christian McCall, depicting the creatures in the Cambrian sea.
Jellyfish belong to the medusozoans category, an ancient animal group called Cnidaria, which includes present-day organisms such as box jellies and true jellyfish. The discovery of Burgessomedusa provides concrete evidence that large, traditional bell-shaped jellyfish had evolved over half a billion years ago.
Fossils of Burgessomedusa are extraordinarily well-preserved at the Burgess Shale. This has allowed the ROM to hold almost two hundred specimens, providing unique insight into their internal anatomy and tentacles, with some even exceeding 20 centimeters in length. These specifics allow the classification of Burgessomedusa as a medusozoan and reveal its free-swimming capabilities and prey-catching abilities.
Joe Moysiuk, a co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating that it conclusively proves that jellyfish were actively swimming during the Cambrian period.
The fossils were discovered mainly in the late 20th century and offer a glimpse into the complexity of the Cambrian food chain. They prove that predation was not exclusive to large arthropods, enhancing our understanding of evolution and life on Earth.
The study also delves into the enigmatic origins of the medusa or jellyfish form. While fossils of jellyfish are incredibly rare, some comb-jellies have been discovered, though they are part of a separate phylum. The lack of physical evidence has resulted in a reliance on microscopic fossils and DNA studies to understand their evolutionary history.
The findings were published in the journal “Proceedings of the Royal Society B” on August 2, 2023. The research was supported by an NSERC Discovery Grant.
The fossils are housed in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks and managed by Parks Canada, part of the UNESCO-designated Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Visitors can view the Burgessomedusa phasmiformis in the recently unveiled Willner Madge Gallery, Dawn of Life, at ROM.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Burgessomedusa phasmiformis
What is the Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, and why is it significant?
Burgessomedusa phasmiformis is the oldest known swimming jellyfish, dating back 505 million years, found in the Burgess Shale. Its discovery highlights the diversity of the Cambrian ecosystem and provides definitive evidence that large, traditional bell-shaped jellyfish had already evolved over half a billion years ago.
Where were the fossils of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis found?
The fossils were discovered in the Burgess Shale, located within Yoho and Kootenay National Parks in Canada. They are extraordinarily well-preserved and provide remarkable details of the ancient jellyfish.
What insights do the Burgessomedusa fossils provide about the Cambrian food chain?
The fossils reveal that the Cambrian food chain was more complex than previously thought, with predation not limited to large arthropods. The jellyfish were efficient swimming predators, adding to the complexity of Cambrian food webs.
Are the fossils of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis available for public viewing?
Yes, the fossils of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis are on display in the recently opened Willner Madge Gallery, Dawn of Life, at the Royal Ontario Museum.
What challenges have researchers faced in understanding the evolutionary history of jellyfish?
Understanding the evolutionary history of jellyfish has been difficult due to the extreme rarity of jellyfish fossils. Consequently, the study of their history often relies on microscopic fossilized larval stages and DNA sequence modeling from living species.
What is the Royal Ontario Museum’s role in the discovery of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis?
The Royal Ontario Museum announced the discovery and holds close to two hundred specimens of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis. The institution also took part in the research, furthering the understanding of these ancient creatures and their place in the Cambrian ecosystem.
More about fokus keyword Burgessomedusa phasmiformis
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Proceedings of the Royal Society B
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
- Parks Canada
