Scientists Baffled To See 500 Million-Yr-Old 'Sea Weed' Being Used as 'Single Occupancy Rooms' by Worms
Throughout evolution, living beings across the world have found unique ways to lead a comfortable life. In 2016, researchers found a 500-million-year-old fossilized structure in Canada that was once a home for some creatures, stated Live Science. Findings regarding these homes were published in BMC Biology.
Researchers believe the fossilized structure detected in Marble Canyon, a site in Kootenay National Park, was built by sea worms. In the past, experts thought that the structure was simply a network of a seaweed species, Margaretia. Later, they understood that these were undersea dwellings. The study noted that there were several latticework tubes in the structure. The team also spotted the worms that possibly created this structure inside the network. These worms were determined to be Oesia.
The structure was comprised of several portions of varying measurements. Researchers claimed that some of the 'homes' were around 20 inches (50 centimeters) in height. Analysis revealed that the tubes were made out of collagen, which the team believes was released by Oesia. The team thinks that the worm had a special gland that produced strands of collagen, which were later used to make the tubes. The knitting pattern allowed for 'windows' so that water could pass through the network. There were also horizontal extensions at the bottom of the structure, which might have aided in keeping it attached to the seafloor. The study claims that worms chose the structure as their dwelling because it protected them from predators. The fossil examination indicates that one portion contained one worm.
Experts think the worms built the structure so that they could live an isolated life inside their tubes. Researchers were delighted to discover Oesia specimens, because remains of these worms have been difficult to find for experts worldwide. Past studies indicated the existence of these ancient worms, but their features were a mystery before these findings, because of a lack of fossils. The specimens uncovered in Marble Canyon were in great condition and allowed researchers to garner meaningful insights about the worm.
The remains showcased that Oesia measured around 2.1 inches (53 millimeters) in length on average. Their width was determined to be 0.4 inches (10 mm). The study claims that the worms appeared to be similar to contemporary acorn worms in looks. There was possibly a long trunk along with a collar and proboscis that made up the worm's anatomy. Researchers further claim that there must have been a body part on the worm that helped it grasp things. The remains exhibited many curved slits, which the team thinks got utilized for filter feeding.
The remains will help experts in accurately placing Oesia on the tree of life. Researchers concluded that they possibly belonged to hemichordates, a group of marine invertebrates, according to the findings. "Oesia fossils are pretty enigmatic — they are very rare, and until now we could not prove which group they belonged to," study co-author Simon Conway Morris, a professor of paleobiology at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, said. "Now we know that they were primitive hemichordates — perhaps the most primitive of all."