Title: Researchers Uncover Rare Jurassic Fossil Lampreys from the Yanliao Biota in Northern China
During the Jurassic period approximately 160 million years ago, the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences made a groundbreaking discovery in northern China. Two incredibly rare fossil lampreys were uncovered, revealing new insights into lamprey evolution.
Discovery of the Fossils
The fossils were found in the renowned Lagerstätte Yanliao Biota and are estimated to be between 158 to 163 million years old. One of the lampreys, known as Yanliaomyzon occisor or “Yanliao sucker killer,” measures a staggering 642mm in length, making it the largest fossil lamprey ever discovered.
Revising Evolutionary Understanding
The examination of these fossils led researchers to redefine the evolution of lampreys, shedding new light on their feeding apparatus, life cycle, and historic biogeography. These Jurassic lampreys closely resemble the living pouched lamprey Geotria australis—contrary to the conventional belief that their ancestors fed on blood.
Evolutionary Milestones and Methodology
This pivotal discovery identified the Jurassic period as a turning point in lamprey evolutionary history. It is suggested that the abundant emergence of advanced teleost fishes during the Early Jurassic presented an evolutionary opportunity for lampreys, leading to significant changes in their feeding structures and overall growth.
Biogeographical Implications
Furthermore, findings suggest that the lineage of the pouched lamprey originated in the Southern Hemisphere during the Late Cretaceous, contradicting previous theories about lamprey origins.
Reference
For more details, you can refer to the original study titled “The rise of predation in Jurassic lampreys” published on Nature Communications.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42251-0
