Nature & Environment
Ancient species of shrimp discovered
By
T.K. RandallJuly 30, 2010 ·
13 comments
Image Credit: jurvetson
A rare shrimp that could be the oldest animal species on the planet has been found alive and well in Scotland.
Based on fossil evidence the tadpole shrimp is believed to be unchanged in over 200 million years, the animals live in temporary water pools where they lay their eggs which can hatch years later when the conditions are wet enough again.
Two colonies of the tadpole shrimp, Triops cancriformis, were found at Caerlaverock on the Solway Coast of Dumfriesshire. Experts think there could be more "hidden" populations of the crustacean – a designated endangered species – elsewhere.
Source:
Scotsman |
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