Remarkable new species over 50 cm (20 inches) tall Chiatophicus varori is the largest known member of its genus theatophicus and one of the largest sponges in the order mesh.
“theatophicus “This is one of the most widely distributed Ordovician and Silurian sponge genera, recorded throughout the Iapetus region and tentatively in Bohemia,” said lead authors Ballen and Moher. said Dr Eamon Doyle, geologist at the Cliffs UNESCO Global Geopark, and colleagues. .
“This genus was widely distributed in offshore marine environments from the Middle Ordovician to the Middle Devonian, but has not previously been recorded in rocks from that period.”
named Chiatophicus varorithe newly identified species lived during the Carboniferous period, about 315 million years ago.
When alive, the vase-shaped sponge had a circular opening at the top surrounded by a ring of eyelash-like structures.
Probably similar to modern times Venus flower basket spongefound in the Pacific Ocean and often featured in deep-sea wildlife documentaries.
“This is a very large example of a type of fossil sponge that was previously only known from much older rocks elsewhere in the world,” Dr Doyle said.
“This is the first record of a sponge fossil of this type found in Ireland and its excellent state of preservation is extremely rare.”
specimen of Chiatophicus varori collected from Kilkee Cyclosem, Central Clare Group, Namuria, County Clare,Ireland.
“Sponges originally consisted of a rectangular network of tiny needles made of silica, held together by a thin organic membrane,” Dr Doyle said.
“Normally they fall apart quickly after death, and often only scattered remains of the needles are preserved as fossils, so we were delighted to find these nearly intact specimens. .”
“This wonderfully preserved fossil dates back to a time when the Atlantic Ocean had not yet begun to form, and the area now known as County Clare was part of an early ocean located near the equator.”
“Discoveries like this help raise awareness of the amazing geological heritage we have here on our doorstep in County Clare, and inspire a new generation of palaeontologists – geologists who specialize in the study of fossils. will help encourage people to visit and learn more about the unique geology of Ireland's west coast. ”
“We were surprised by the size and well-preserved condition of this fossil. This was completely unexpected,” said lead author Dr. Joseph Botting, a researcher at Amgefa Shimul Museum in Wales and the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology. said.
“This discovery provides important insight into the evolution of sponges and how some species are able to survive in niche environments where most other species cannot live. It is unusual for a specimen to be found.”
“This is a fantastic discovery and a reminder that new and interesting fossils are still being discovered that help us understand the story of life on Earth,” said the co-authors, from the Amgefa Cymru Museum in Wales. said Dr. Lucy Muir, a researcher at . .
team's paper Published in Journal October 2023 issue geobios.
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Joseph P. Botting other. 2023. A late surviving extra-large reticulated sponge from the Carboniferous of Ireland. geobios 80: 1-13; doi: 10.1016/j.geobios.2023.07.004
Source: www.sci.news
