According to BGR, scientists have finally identified a fossil discovered a few years ago: they believe that the fossil belongs to a new species of prehistoric sea scorpion. They also believe that 252 million years ago, it should have been the largest aquatic predator in the region.
The fossils were first found on Nick Freeman's family property in the 1990s. The fossil was found in the town of Theodore, Queensland. In 2013, Freeman sent the fossil to the Queensland Museum in the hope that they would be able to identify it. Now, after several years of research, researchers have named the newly discovered species of sea scorpion Woodwardopterus freemanorum.
They named the creature after Nick Freeman. The researchers say the organism may be about 1 meter long. In addition, the museum invited German researcher Markus Poschmann to help determine the date of the fossil.
"We need a man with extensive knowledge of this group of animals who can compare Theodore's specimens with other species known around the world," Dr. Rozefelds said in a statement.
"Using the published dates of volcanic sediments preserved in coal seams, the Theodore Sea Scorpion has been accurately identified as living 252 million years ago, and after extensive research, this particular fossil has proven to be the last giant feathered horseshoe known anywhere in the world." This was just before the extinction event at the end of the Permian. He explains: "At this time, the paleovertebrates disappeared along with other fauna. ”
This is a huge discovery for Australia, as Dr Poschmann says it helps fill a gap in researchers' knowledge of prehistoric sea scorpions in the country and around the world. The researchers also say they haven't seen anything similar from Australia, which makes it an even bigger discovery.
According to the researchers, the sea scorpion is a now extinct group of invertebrates. They also believe that some sea scorpions reach two meters in length. Although this specimen is not that long, it will be one of the largest known to inhabit the Theodore area. Interestingly, if researchers find other fossils that match this species in the future, it could help provide more answers about this particular sea scorpion.
Artist Alison Douglas, a preparer for the Queensland Museum, created an illustration of a prehistoric sea scorpion. In addition, Dr. Poschmann and Dr. Rozefelds have published a paper on the subject. They published the paper earlier this year in Taylor & Francis.