A new study has unveiled the existence of gigantic sea scorpions that roamed the oceans around 400 million years ago, some growing up to eight feet long, significantly larger than humans.
The findings, which paint a picture of a prehistoric world filled with colossal predators, were published on Saturday in the journal Gondwana Research by Dr Bicknell and his colleagues.
These ancient sea scorpions, scientifically known as eurypterids, were part of an extinct group of aquatic arthropods that included ancient relatives of modern-day crabs, lobsters, and spiders.
The discovery of their fossils in New South Wales, Australia, has sparked significant interest in the scientific community, offering a glimpse into a bygone era when these massive creatures dominated the seas.
Eurypterids: The giants of the deep
Unlike the small scorpions of today that could fit in the palm of your hand, these prehistoric sea creatures were anything but harmless.
"Eurypterids came in a variety of sizes, but the best known are the types that can grow to more than nine feet long," noted Dr Bicknell. "They had huge claws, a beefy exoskeleton, and a strong set of legs for swimming. It is highly likely these sea creatures ruled the seas."
Two specific genera of these sea scorpions were identified in the fossils—Pterygotus and Jaekelopterus. While Pterygotus grew to around five feet, seven inches, the Jaekelopterus could exceed eight feet, making them terrifying predators of their time.
The researchers also found that the fossils, composed mainly of exoskeletons, were scattered across what was once the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, which now includes present-day Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, the Indian subcontinent, and the Arabian Peninsula.
A fairytale-like discovery
The recent findings are part of an ongoing exploration of the Earth's ancient oceans. "Among the deep sea secrets that have been uncovered by scientists in the recent past, this would amaze many with its fairytale-like appeal," the report added.
The fossils, dating back to the Silurian (443.8 to 419.2 million years ago) and Devonian periods (419.2 to 358.9 million years ago), offer a glimpse into a world were these giants could swim across oceans, suggesting their ability to traverse thousands of kilometres.
A mystery of extinction
While the researchers have uncovered much about their size, range, and adaptability, the extinction of these gigantic sea scorpions remains an unsolved mystery.
Fossils indicate that their reign ended around 393 million years ago, possibly due to environmental changes, including low sea levels and the formation of glaciers at the beginning of the Carboniferous period.
However, Dr Bicknell and his team remain puzzled as to whether their massive size was an evolutionary advantage for migration or a result of other factors.
"The story of their extinction remains a monumental and unsolved mystery," the researchers stated, noting that little is known about their disappearance and how these once-dominant sea predators met their end.
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