Breathing Air: Ancient Predator Capable of Survival in ‘Low Oxygen’ Period
The ancient aquatic monster Harajicadectes zhumini lived hundreds of millions of years ago, and scientists have recently discovered that it was remarkably adaptable – capable of breathing air. Fossils of this fanged sea-beast were unearthed in Australia, in one of the oldest rivers on the planet.
Adaptation to Low Oxygen Environment
In a research delve, the fossils revealed that this 1.3ft predator sported large fangs alongside tightly-packed and sharp teeth, and also had large openings on the top of its skull. This adaptation allowed the fish to breathe air, a process believed to have facilitated surface air-breathing in a mid-Devonian period. The adaptation occurred when the atmospheric oxygen was scarce, allowing the fish to survive better by acquiring oxygen from multiple sources.
The 400-Million-Year-Old Fossil find
The ancient fossils were found in Australia’s Finke River, which is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. This 470-mile-long river dates back to hundreds of millions of years and is a rich source of many different species that have evolved over time.
Air-Breathing Advantages
The new findings support the idea that these ancient fish were capable of supplementing gill respiration with aerial oxygen, providing the fish with a competitive adaptive advantage in a low-oxygen environment. Experts discovered the fish in the Harajica Sandstone Member in the Northern Territory, which is roughly 380 million years old.
After discovering the near-complete specimen during a 2016 expedition, scientists were able to piece together the story of this unique fish species, suggesting that all the isolated bits and pieces collected over the years belonged to this newly discovered ancient predator.
Ancient Creature’s Story Unearthed
The near-complete fossil, measuring 1.3ft in length, also revealed valuable information about the fish, including details about its scales. These significant findings were amassed after an extensive 50-year exploration period.
The Fish’s Legacy
The fossils were a crucial find, known to be predecessors to modern limbed animals with backbones. The discovery has shed light on the fish’s unique adaptation and evolution in a low oxygen environment, marking a significant breakthrough in our understanding of ancient aquatic life forms and how they thrived in challenging environments.
In summary, the discovery has offered vital insights into the evolution and adaptations of prehistoric aquatic creatures, showcasing their ability to thrive and survive in conditions that were drastically different from the ones we know today. This breakthrough is a testament to the unique and awe-inspiring characteristics of ancient marine life and their remarkable ability to adapt to ever-changing environmental conditions.