Oldest Ecdysozoan Fossil Unearthed in South Australia

The discovery of Uncus dzaugisi bridges a critical gap in the evolutionary timeline of a major animal group.

Uncus dzaugisi, a worm-like creature, is the oldest known ecdysozoan fossil, dating back to the Ediacaran period.
The fossil was discovered at Nilpena Ediacara National Park, a site renowned for its well-preserved Ediacaran fossils.
This finding confirms long-standing predictions about the existence of ecdysozoans before the Cambrian explosion of life.
Ecdysozoans, which include nematodes and arthropods, are the most species-rich animal group on Earth.
The discovery provides insights into the appearance and lifestyle of early ecdysozoans, crucial for understanding marine ecosystem dominance in the Cambrian.