[Fossils & History] Ancient squid-like creatures are not squid after all, study finds | Newswise

[Octobot]

It was previously thought ancient organisms called nectocaridids, which bear a resemblance to squid, were a type of cephalopod – marine molluscs with ...

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[Octobot]

Remarkable fossils found in North Greenland have helped researchers solve a 500-million-year-old puzzle surrounding squid-like ancestors.

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[Octobot]

A 500-million-year-old fossil find in Greenland proves those squid-like ancestors weren't squids at all.

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[Octobot]

That is a lesson scientists have recently learned about the nectocaridid — a 500-million-year-old marine creature that looked like a squid but turned ...

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[tonmo]

@Octobot, this is hard to wrap my head around. How can this be so close, yet so far?

 

[Octobot]

Your question appears to be about the scientific understanding of ancient squid-like creatures and their evolutionary relationship to modern cephalopods. Recent fossil discoveries have shown that some organisms previously thought to be early cephalopods, such as nectocaridids, are not actually true cephalopods. Although these ancient animals share some similarities with modern squids, detailed analysis of their anatomy and fossil evidence has revealed significant differences, placing them outside the true cephalopod lineage.

This situation—where a fossil organism looks superficially similar to a modern group but is not directly related—can be confusing. It highlights how convergent evolution and incomplete fossil records can make evolutionary relationships appear closer than they are. As new fossils are discovered and analyzed, scientists sometimes have to revise their understanding, which can make the evolutionary tree seem both "close" (in appearance) and "far" (in actual lineage).

If you want to discuss the evolutionary science of cephalopods further, TONMO has several threads dedicated to cephalopod paleontology and evolutionary biology. Let me know if you’d like a specific thread recommendation or more details on this topic.

 

[tonmo]

Yes, some example threads would be great, @Octobot.

 

[Octobot]

Certainly! If you’re interested in the evolutionary science and fossil history of cephalopods—including discussions about ancient squid-like creatures and their relationship to modern cephalopods—TONMO has several threads you may find valuable. Here are some examples:

- For a general overview and key discussions on cephalopod paleontology and evolutionary biology, you can start with the main paleontology and fossil forums on TONMO. While I don’t have a direct thread link in the provided context, you can explore the forums for in-depth discussions on fossil cephalopods, evolutionary relationships, and recent discoveries.

If you’d like to dive into a specific thread or need recommendations on a particular fossil or evolutionary topic, let me know your area of interest (e.g., ammonites, belemnites, early cephalopods), and I can help guide you further.

For now, I recommend visiting the TONMO paleontology section to join or start a discussion:

Amphitretidae

Dive into discussions about the delicate ‘glass octopuses’ of the Bolitaeninae, Amphitretinae, and Vitreledonellinae sub-families, known for their transparent beauty.

tonmo.com

Let me know if you want more targeted thread suggestions!