The giant marine scorpion once raged under the ocean

Scientists have discovered fossils of a giant marine scorpion with a length of 1.7m in the US.

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Discovery of marine scorpion fossils in the United States

According to the IB Times, Yale University researchers in the US discovered more than 150 pieces of fossils in the Winneshiek shale in Iowa State, USA. At 27m thick, the Winneshiek shale is formed after a meteorite plunges to Earth. This layer of rock is submerged in the Iowa River.

The analysis of fossils shows that the scorpion species once existed on Earth from about 460 million years ago. This is the oldest marine scorpion fossil ever found. The team called them Pentecopterus decorahensis , after the famous Penteconter warship of ancient Greece.

Simulation of ancient sea scorpions.(Photo: Yale University)

"The new scorpion is very strange. The shape of the flippers (which they use to swim) is very unique and the head shape is the same. They are also very large - with a length of more than 1.5 m," said James Lamsdell, team leader. study, speak.

For Lamsdell, the natural way of preserving marine scorpions' bodies is also very interesting. They are subjected to rock pressure, but experts can still remove fossils to study under a microscope. They can see every detail - like fossil hairs.

Scorpion fossils.(Photo: Yale University)

"Sometimes I feel like we are studying the skin of modern animals. This is a great opportunity for every ancient creature," he commented.

By analyzing some intact fossils, scientists found that the last leg of the marine scorpion - including flippers - was responsible for swimming and digging. In addition, it is also possible that ultra-fine hairs cover the marine scorpion body, helping them feel their surroundings.

The first two pairs of legs bent forward. That shape shows that it is very likely that marine scorpions use four forelegs to catch prey.