Shrimp 'living fossils' resemble revived alien creatures

A prehistoric species of shrimp has three eyes that reminds of an alien being revived with millions of eggs hatched by heavy rain after years of lying dormant under desert sand.

The last floods in December 2016 in the Uluru rocky area (aka Ayers Rock), near Alice Springs, Australia, caused most of the area to be submerged under water, reviving Triops australiensis , according to the International Business Times.

Shielded shrimp is one of the most enduring vigor animals that exists on Earth. This crustacean known as the "living fossil" hasn't changed since prehistoric times. They moved around by following the winds blowing across the barren land and burying themselves in the desert sand. Their eggs withstand high temperature fluctuations and can survive for more than 10 years without water.

Shielded shrimp has not changed since prehistoric times.(Photo: Northern Territory's Parks and Wildlife Agency).

"These are eggs that can dry out and withstand all kinds of extreme temperatures in mainland Australia, including high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night," Michael Barritt, expert shrimp shield , said. "The wind blows eggs everywhere. Then when the summer rains provide enough water, they hatch and feed on the source of microorganisms and bacteria in the water. They try to lay eggs on the drying surface. gradually before the water disappears completely. "

When the rain poured down, millions of shrimp appeared, even in small puddles on the summit of Uluru, at a height of more than 850 meters, according to Times. Prehistoric crustaceans became a plentiful source of food for small birds, hawks and hawks' prey.

"Shield shrimp adapt well to desert conditions. Their eggs lie dormant for years until it has enough rain, boosting the number of populations. This is the best time to catch leaf shrimp. by heavy rain in central Australia has helped them revive , "said Northern Territory's Parks and Wildlife Agency.

Shielded shrimp are shaped like alien creatures because they are born with the third eye on the other two eyes. They still carry this single eye after they grow up.