Researchers from the Nanjing Geology and Antiques Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a unique fossil parasite, living about 160 million years ago in the Taohugou area in the territory of modern internal Mongolia. The new species is called JuracanhoCHALUS and the first famous fossil biological from the acantocephalus-pieces called worms worms, parasitic in the intestines of different animals, including humans. The work is published in Nature magazine.
Actocephal are parasitic worms known for the unique sliding trunk covered with hooks that are bent back. This Proboscis allows them to be reliable in the intestinal wall of their owners. Despite its important medical significance of AcanthoCephalus, their origin is still a mystery for a long time. The fossils of soft worms are extremely rare, and before that in the petrification of an ancient crocodile, found only accused eggs of acanthocephalus.
Using scanned electron microscopes, scientists have conducted detailed morphology about JuracanthoCePhalus. It turned out to be a form of transition between Kolovrates and Acephils parasites, so the first provision of fossil evidence of the origin of this strange and isolated group. Genetic analysis shows JuracanhoCHALUS representing their famous ancestors Akantocephalus.
In addition, the finding shows that the first acanthocphales arising in ground conditions and starting their parasite pathway during the Jurassic period. Their features – hook, large size and specific structure of the body – pointed out that they have led a parasitic lifestyle.
This discovery emphasizes the importance of transitions in evolution: Although the development of molecular biology, it also seems like JuracanHoCephalus allows you to actually regenerate the path along the organisms in the transformation process.