21st May 2024 (15 Topics)
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Scientists Unearth Cloning Starfish Fossil
Context
Scientists have discovered a fascinating creature from 155 million years ago that could clone itself. This starfish-like creature with six arms had the ability to regenerate its body, according to a study.
Key-highlights:
- The unique fossil was found in 2018 in Germany, where there used to be a deep lagoon with coral meadows and sponge beds.
- This fossil is the only known example of the new species of brittle star, named Ophiactis hex.
- This creature could produce genetically identical offspring by breaking off parts of its own body and regrowing them, a process known as This phenomenon's exact timing of evolution was previously unknown.
- The 155 million-year-old fossil is exceptionally well-preserved, showing all its hook-shaped arm spines.
- Although fossils of creatures regenerating individual arms are somewhat common, finding those with regenerating body halves is extremely rare. This discovery is only the second known case and the first linked to six-fold symmetry and clonal fragmentation.
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