Researchers have made an exciting discovery by finding two fossils known as Punk and Emo, indicating that ancient molluscs were more intricate and adaptable than earlier beliefs suggested.
Researchers have made an exciting discovery by finding two fossils known as Punk and Emo, indicating that ancient molluscs were more intricate and adaptable than earlier beliefs suggested.
Molluscs represent one of the most varied groups in the animal kingdom, and the study of these rare 430 million-year-old fossils is challenging established ideas about their early development.
These fossils, dating back to the Silurian era and discovered in Herefordshire, have provided insights into the complex evolutionary journey of molluscs and how they moved.
This finding disputes the long-held belief that early molluscs from the Aculifera group— which includes chitons and worm-like molluscs—were simplistic and primitive.
Contrary to this view, the so-called ‘rebellious’ fossils, scientifically named Punk ferox and Emo vorticaudum, indicate that early molluscs had distinctive characteristics and were considerably complex and adaptable in both their forms and environments.
Through advanced imaging techniques, including X-ray scanning, the researchers were able to create 3D representations of the fossils. They discovered that Emo and Punk exhibited a greater variety of shapes and movement methods than previously recognized in these ancient creatures.
Exceptional Fossil Preservation
The research, published in Nature, was spearheaded by Dr. Mark Sutton from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, collaborating with institutions such as the University of Leicester, the University of Oxford, the Senckenberg Research Institute, the Natural History Museum Frankfurt, and Yale University. Dr. Sutton remarked:
“Molluscs are one of the most significant and diverse groups of animals on the planet. Nonetheless, early Aculiferan molluscs remain much less understood compared to some of their relatives. Our knowledge about this group has been quite limited, and for a long time, we believed they were quite basic and primitive.”
“Finding fossils with such outstanding preservation that reveal soft tissue details is exceedingly rare. We have produced ‘virtual fossils’—3D digital models—that provide vast amounts of information and reveal that the evolutionary branch of molluscs containing Emo and Punk is far more rich and varied than we had imagined; comparable to other mollusc groups.”
Distinctive Characteristics and Motion Techniques
The research team employed two different techniques to analyze the fossils thoroughly from both the inside and out. Initially, they utilized X-ray scanning to closely examine the internal structures while preserving the exterior. They subsequently ground the fossils down into very thin layers, capturing images at each phase to construct a 3D visual of the external characteristics.
The findings revealed that both fossils had smooth undersides, indicating that they inhabited the ocean floor, and both showcased unique traits and uncommon movement techniques.
The Emo fossil is notably preserved in a folded position, suggesting it moved similarly to an inchworm, using its spines to grip and propel itself forward. However, the exact movement style of Punk remains uncertain, although researchers did identify a ridge-like foot that is not seen in any modern molluscs.
“The names Punk and Emo initially started as affectionate nicknames for these ancient molluscs, inspired by their unique traits and individuality. Punk, with its spiky look, clearly resembles a defiant punk rocker, and we thought Emo was a fitting counterpart,” explained Dr. Sutton.
Punk bears resemblance to worm-like molluscs with long spines but also features a broad foot and gills like chitons. Similarly, Emo is worm-like with a long body and spines, alongside shells and a compressed form akin to chitons.
This combination of attributes gives researchers better insight into the evolutionary relationships within molluscs, revealing a narrative that encompasses more complexity and diversity than previously understood.
