Researchers report the discovery of a new group of ancient predators that not only dominated the oceans over 500 million years ago but also occupied the top of the food chain. These “beasts of terror” were as influential as modern-day sharks.
These ancient predators, known as anomalocarids, had an inconspicuous appearance but were of immense significance to the oceanic ecosystem. Their huge size and magnificence made them a true threat to other marine organisms.
Anomalocarids were characteristic creatures of the Cambrian and Ordovician periods, and their dominance lasted for hundreds of millions of years. The presence of these predators at the top of the food chain meant that they had an impact on the abundance and distribution of other marine species.
Researchers from the University of Bristol made this discovery by analyzing anomalocarid fossils from different geological periods. Their studies provide new insights into the role and significance of these ancient predators in the history of life on Earth.
Anomalocarids are a fascinating group of organisms, and their discovery offers valuable scientific data. Learning more about them can help us understand the development and evolution of oceanic ecosystems.
FAQ:
What are anomalocarids?
Anomalocarids are ancient predators that dominated the oceans over 500 million years ago. They were characteristic creatures of the Cambrian and Ordovician periods.
What was the significance of anomalocarids?
Anomalocarids occupied the top of the food chain and had immense importance for the oceanic ecosystem. They were a threat to other marine organisms and had an impact on the abundance and distribution of other species.
What discovery did researchers from the University of Bristol make?
Researchers from the University of Bristol discovered fossils of anomalocarids from different geological periods. Their studies provide new information about the role and significance of these predators in the history of life on Earth.
Source: [University of Bristol](http://www.bristol.ac.uk/)
The source of the article is from the blog elektrischnederland.nl