The prehistoric 'squid butt' that defied the rules of evolution
In short: For millions of years, the fossil record suggested a specific blueprint for marine life. Then, scientists unearthed a Jurassic anomaly: a barrel-shaped squid relative so thick it challenged our understanding of prehistoric anatomy. It serves as a startling reminder that nature's experiments often defy logic.
During the Jurassic Period, approximately 160 million years ago, the inland seas of what is now Wyoming were home to a diverse array of marine life. Among the most common fossils found in these waters are belemnites—extinct relatives of modern squid and octopuses. These creatures are primarily known by their 'rostra,' bullet-shaped internal skeletal guards that often survive as the only remaining evidence of the animal's existence. These marine animals are among the most frequently discovered fossils on the planet. Proof of a prehistoric inland sea spanning large areas of the western United States is maintained within the Sundance Formation.
While most belemnites from the Sundance Formation are narrow and sleek, measuring only 1 to 2 centimeters across, a newly identified species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, broke this mold. This specific specimen is distinguished by an extraordinarily thick, barrel-shaped rostrum measuring about 6 centimeters in width. Because of this unusual girth, it has been dubbed the 'fattest' or 'chunkiest' belemnite ever discovered by an international research team. In the local region, these fossils are often nicknamed 'squid butts' due to their shape. The newly identified species is dramatically different from the typical narrow, bullet-shaped appearance of its relatives.
The discovery of Wyoteuthis linsterorum is significant because it reveals a surprising survivor of a supposedly vanished family. While the fossil record typically favors streamlined shapes for aquatic predators, this creature suggests that nature experimented with different body plans and survival instincts. Researchers calculate that the creature's full body, encompassing its limbs, might have spanned roughly 60 centimetres, which equates to nearly two feet, judging by its rostrum dimensions. The international team involved in this study included researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand. This specific discovery was detailed in the scientific journal Papers in Palaeontology.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Strangest Extinct Creatures Ever Discovered by Scientists
- Also: Scientists discover a bizarre Jurassic “squid” unlike anything ever seen
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/space-the-strangest-extinct-creatures-ever-discovered-by-scientist.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics
