Scientists found tiny mineral balls that are 535 million years old. They are the fossilized embryos of animals from the Cambrian period. These embryos are from a group called Ecdysozoa, which includes insects, spiders, and worms.
Even though we can’t identify the adult forms of these embryos, they might be related to a creature called Saccorhytus. Fossilized embryos are rare but valuable because they give us clues about ancient animals.
The embryos were discovered in China and have been well preserved. Researchers named them Saccus xixiangensis and Saccus necopinus based on their exoskeleton plates. These embryos don’t have mouths or anuses, suggesting they were close to hatching before they died.
By studying similar ancient organisms, researchers hope to learn more about these embryos’ development. The findings were published in Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology.
Vocabulary List:
- Fossilized /ˈfɑː.sə.laɪzd/ (adjective): Preserved remains or impressions of ancient organisms in rock.
- Embryos /ˈɛm.bri.oʊz/ (noun): Early developmental stage of a multicellular organism.
- Preserved /prɪˈzɜːrvd/ (verb): Maintained in its original state; protected from decay.
- Exoskeleton /ˌɛk.soʊˈskɛl.ɪ.tən/ (noun): A rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrate animals.
- Clues /kluːz/ (noun): Hints or pieces of evidence that help to solve a problem.
- Ancient /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/ (adjective): Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
