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Scientists have made a sensational discovery in the state of New York: paleontologists have discovered a fossil of an ancient sea creature, whose age is estimated at 450 million years.
The uniqueness of the find lies not only in its antiquity, but also in its incredible preservation and unusual golden color.
The fossil represents a new species of arthropod named Lomankus edgecombei. This creature had large prehensile limbs that it used to capture prey. Due to the unique burial conditions, the animal's body was replaced by pyrite, a mineral that gives fossils a golden shine. Such mineralization made it possible to preserve the smallest details of the creature's anatomy, which is rare for such ancient fossils.
"These fossils look like they could just stand up and run away." admires paleobiologist Luke Perry from the University of Oxford.
Studying this ancient creature allows scientists to better understand the evolution of arthropods and trace how their limbs changed over time. Scientists suggest that in L. edgecombei, the grasping limbs were used not only to capture prey, but also to feel the environment.
This discovery was made possible thanks to the unique geological conditions of the place of discovery. The fossils were found in a thin layer of sedimentary rocks rich in iron, which contributed to the formation of pyrite.
The "golden" fossil of L. edgecombei is a veritable treasure trove of information for paleontologists. It allows scientists to look into the distant past of our planet and learn more about the diversity of life on Earth.
